Following a car accident, you need to make smart decisions about protecting your legal rights. To help you get started, our attorneys have provided answers to a number of frequently-asked questions (FAQs). For legal advice about your situation, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Q: Is the driver who hit me responsible for my medical bills?
Potentially, yes. If the driver who hit you was at fault in the accident (in legal terms, if they were “negligent”), then the driver will be responsible for all of your accident-related losses. This includes not only your medical bills, but also any other accident-related expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other forms of harm.
Q: What if I was partially at fault in the accident?
Under Florida law, you can still seek compensation from an at-fault driver even if you were also partially at fault in the accident.
Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have enough money to cover my losses?
Most car accident claims are resolved through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If the driver who hit you has significant assets and you suffered losses that exceed his or her policy limit, it may make sense to pursue a claim directly against the driver. However, typically accident victims recover their full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Q: What if the other driver was uninsured?
If the driver who hit you was uninsured (and statistics show that Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation), then you may need to seek coverage under your own auto insurance policy. Florida’s mandatory insurance requirements include up to $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) regardless of who was at fault in the accident, and if you purchased uninsured motorist coverage you will be able to pursue a claim for additional compensation from your insurer.
Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
In most cases, the “statute of limitations” for a car accident claim in Florida is four years. But, evidence can disappear and memories can fade quickly, so it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Q: Do I need to hire a lawyer for my car accident claim?
Yes, it is strongly in your best interests to hire a lawyer. From investigating the cause of the accident to calculating the full extent of your losses, there are numerous complex steps involved in making sure that you recover just compensation. A lawyer will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company for you, advise you if a settlement offer is reasonable, and be prepared to take your case to trial.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
With Powell, Powell & Powell, P.A., it costs you nothing out of pocket to hire an attorney for your car accident claim. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we only retain a portion of your recovery if we are successful in helping you secure financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Car Accident Consultation Today
If you have been injured in a car accident in northwest Florida, contact the Destin car accident lawyers at Powell, Powell & Powell, P.A. for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights. Call (850) 682-2757 or submit a request online to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers today.