Your Legal Resource For Insurance Questions After An Accident
Critical information: Patients must be seen within 14 days after an automobile accident to receive full medical benefits from Florida auto insurance personal injury protection (PIP).
Florida law requires drivers to have only a very small amount of no-fault insurance coverage (called personal injury protection, or PIP), and unfortunately, the law does not require drivers to carry liability coverage or underinsured motorist (UM)/ uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage. It is important for an injured party to seek legal representation immediately after an accident so the attorney can protect his or her interests. Many people incorrectly believe that PIP will cover all of the medical expenses necessary to treat the physical injuries they suffer as a result of a car accident. The full costs of medical care, rehabilitation, surgeries and future accommodations can be astronomical, especially after a serious accident involving head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and debilitating neck and back injuries. Even medical treatment for what initially appears to be a moderate injury routinely exceeds PIP insurance coverage.
If you do not already carry uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy, please call your agent today to add this vital coverage. You never know when you will be involved in an accident, and it is impossible to predict the insurance coverage of an individual who causes an accident prior to its occurrence. Protect yourself by adding this all-important coverage to your policy immediately.
At VanNess & VanNess, P.A., we seek the maximum compensation possible for clients who are the unfortunate victims of vehicle rollovers and other serious motor vehicle accidents in central Florida and throughout the state. In many cases, insurance companies attempt to minimize claims, hoping that the payout will be the lowest amount possible. We encourage injured people to contact one of our personal injury attorneys at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., before discussing the accident or discussing the claim with an insurance carrier.
What To Do After An Accident Caused By An Uninsured Driver
The common practice of exchanging insurance information after a car accident only works if both parties are insured. In some cases, uninsured drivers may not even remain on the scene of an accident long enough for you to ask for their insurance information.
After any type of car accident, you should call the police so there is an official report. You should also seek to document the scene, including all damage to vehicles and any visible injuries to you or others. Even in a hit-and-run accident, try to remember the make, model and license plate of the other vehicle. If that vehicle is still on the scene, photograph it, and attempt to get at least the name and phone number of the other driver.
While you will need to report the accident to your own insurance carrier, avoid giving a statement before you discuss what happened with a lawyer, especially if you have been seriously injured. You are not required to and should not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you consult with an attorney who represents your interests and are instructed to do so by that attorney.
Questions About Insurance Coverage After An Accident?
At VanNess & VanNess, P.A., we will answer your questions about automobile insurance coverage. We will also provide explicit instructions to navigate the dangerous waters inhabited by insurance companies. Our firm has built a strong reputation for assisting victims of serious accidents in finding the medical providers they truly need to move beyond the pain and anguish of the injuries caused by the accident.
Trust the attorneys at VanNess & VanNess, P.A., every step of the way to negotiate with insurance companies, to assert your policy rights if you have been injured in a car accident and to receive the ultimate compensation for your injuries. Call to discuss your accident with one of our plaintiff personal injury attorneys today. We can be reached toll free at 866-697-6221, or you can complete our confidential online contact form.