Getting the necessary medical treatment and filing a claim after getting involved in a car accident is not easy. The process is often complex, especially where you don’t have an attorney to help you through it.
That explains why some car accident cases get settled quickly, while others take several years. Often, the difference between such cases boils down to whether an individual settled for a competent car accident attorney.
Zimmet & Zimmet Lawyers provide competent legal representation to Florida Car Accident victims.
Steps Involved
You may not know it, but the process usually begins at the accident scene. The rest occurs in the weeks or months following the accident. The following steps outline the process, but not necessarily in chronological order. Cases are different, so steps vary on a case by case basis.
Gather Information at the Accident Scene
Try to gather as much information as you can, at the scene of the accident. Note, though, that you should only do this if you’re not severely hurt. Please take note of the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved in the accident, their make, and model.
If possible, get the names and contact information of all the drivers involved in the accident. Photographic and video evidence can also be valuable in your quest to arrive at a settlement.
With that in mind, use your cell phone to snap pictures or record videos of the property damage, injuries, and hazards that could have led to the accident.
Get Treatment for Your Injuries
There’s a high likelihood that emergency response teams will arrive at the scene of the accident, especially if the accident is severe. You’ll still need treatment, though, if you managed to walk away from the accident.
Have a physician examine you for internal injuries. Note that some injuries may not show symptoms for days after an accident. As such, it is vital for you to have proper medical documentation sooner than later.
Trust Zimmet & Zimmet Lawyers to be there when you need them. We offer exceptional legal representation to car accident victims in Florida, with a success rate that is near perfect.
File an Insurance Claim under Your Personal Injury Protection Policy
Do this under your PIP policy. Then while at it, remember that Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means you have to carry a minimum $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection policy cover if you have a registered vehicle.
This step is essential because it’s the first step to receiving compensation for accident-related injuries or losses after filing a claim under PIP.
It’s also important to note that in Florida, you can’t step outside the no-fault system until you have met or exceeded the policy units under your PIP cover. This is often not tricky in many severe car accidents.
File a Claim with Insurance Company of the At-Fault Driver
The next step after exceeding your PIP cover limits is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your attorney should help you file the claim to compel the insurance company to pay you out. This is possible through the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability policy.
If several drivers were involved in the accident, you’d have to file separate claims with each of the respective drivers’ insurance carrier. You still have a recourse if the driver involved does not have auto insurance or does not have enough auto insurance or fled from the scene of the accident. In that case, you’ll have to file a claim with your insurance carrier under your uninsured/underinsured motorist cover if you have it.
Zimmet & Zimmet Lawyers have been in the Florida legal practice long enough to know what it takes for car accident victims in Florida to file their claims and arrive at settlements through lawsuits successfully.
Nature of Your Injuries
The more severe your injuries are, the more time they’ll take to heal. This can affect the amount of time the parties involved in your case will reach a settlement. Note that it’s not in your best interest to settle your claim or even pursue it before you’ve reached your maximum medical improvement or before full recovery. This is because it’s often difficult to know the full scope and extent of your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages unless you are fully recovered.
Determining Liability
The insurance firms involved in your case will spend time and money investigating your car accident to determine liability. They may deny liability in the meantime and even proceed to deny your claim.
This may force you to take legal action, a move that may take time. With an experienced car accident attorney by your side, though, the process can move faster than usual. This happens if you’ve proper records and enough evidence or witnesses to strengthen your case.
Why You Should Trust Zimmet & Zimmet Lawyers with Your Case
We’ve practiced law since 1985. Since then, we have helped many car accident victims fight out for their rights in court. We do not just go for settlement the first time it is offered. Our team of attorneys explores all legal avenues to ensure you get the best possible settlement. Call us today at 386-255-6400.
