When To Sue in a Florida Auto Accident

If you are involved in an auto accident in Florida, depending on the circumstances, you may have cause for a suit. Florida is a “no-fault” state, so your personal injury protection (PIP) is used first to cover medical expenses and costs related to medical treatment. This applies regardless of who caused the accident.

Major Injuries

PIP insurance covers medical expenses up to $10,000. Major injuries can be considerably more expensive. In this situation, where the injuries are severe and permanent, filing a claim against the at-fault driver is allowable. You may need to bring a lawsuit against them in order to get adequate compensation.
There are timelines to be considered when filing a claim. With PIP, you must file within 14 days from the time of the accident. With permanent injuries and property damage claims, you must file your lawsuit within four years from the date of the accident.

Getting Fair Compensation in Florida

Because Florida is a no-fault state, it may seem that fair compensation for an auto accident could be challenging. If the injuries are minor and covered by PIP, that may be the case; however, if the injuries are severe and permanent, there are few limitations other than needing to file within that four-year time frame.
Florida also has a “pure comparative negligence” law. This means that each party in the accident may be assigned a percentage of responsibility for causing the accident. This percentage is used to calculate how much in damages the different parties can receive. If you are considered 10% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

You will need to hire a good attorney who will fight for your best interests. Your attorney will gather as much information as possible to build a case. You must provide accurate information in the form of documentation, pictures, and whatever else your attorney may request.

Auto Accident Settlements

An experienced lawyer can help you get adequate compensation for damages. Consideration is given to the severity of your injuries and the cost of reasonable and necessary medical treatment. Loss of wages from the time of the accident and future wages are also part of the equation. The more documentation you can provide proving your case, the better.

The attorneys at Tison Law Group are well-versed in personal injury law. If you or a loved one are involved in an accident and are seeking excellent lawyers known for honesty and integrity, we encourage you to give us a call. We are located in Tampa, FL, and are here to provide a variety of legal services in your time of need. Browse our website for more information and schedule a complimentary initial consultation.