Who Will Cover My Medical Bills After A Florida Car Accident?
Nobody ever expects to suffer from an accident. Unfortunately, it is not something that you can help. Florida is becoming an increasingly risky state for motorists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Sunshine State had almost 16,000 more accidents in 2021 compared to 2020. Regardless of how careful a driver you are, there is a significant chance that you might experience a car accident as a Florida resident at some point in your life.
If you have recently experienced an accident in Port St. Lucie, you might be wondering who will help you cover the mountain of medical expenses that will come your way. Regardless of severity, all accidents can leave you dealing with significant financial stress due to all the bills.
Working with Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers experienced in dealing with auto accident cases can be crucial in helping you deal with all the legal and financial stress of an accident. Hiring an attorney might seem counterproductive if you want to save on your bills. However, it could be one of the best decisions you can make after an accident.
The right attorney can help you secure your rightful compensation to cover the medical bills after being involved in an accident. This post will help you understand how you can cover the medical expenses in the aftermath of an auto accident with the help of experienced attorneys by your side.
What Happens After An Auto Accident?
It is everyone’s duty to notify law enforcement if they are ever involved in a car accident, especially one that has resulted in injuries or significant property damage. It does not matter whether you were at fault or the other driver. If you can call the police, you should do it without wasting a second.
The police will come to the accident scene, ask questions, conduct an investigation, and file an unbiased report. The report can be crucial for you when you seek compensation for the damages you incurred in the accident. Your lawyer can use this report as an important piece of evidence, depending on where your case goes.
Besides the police, emergency medical services will also likely arrive at the accident scene to tend to those injured in the accident. You should seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if it was a small fender bender. Sometimes, your injuries due to the accident might not be apparent but show symptoms much later.
Getting a thorough examination can ensure that you find and treat any such injuries and prevent them from getting worse. Your medical records can also be crucial evidence that your lawyer can use to build a strong case.
The Sunshine State follows a no-fault rule which requires all motorists to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) instead of filing a lawsuit against the other motorist. The no-fault rule reduces the burden on Florida’s legal system by eliminating unnecessary lawsuits. Your first resort to seeking reparations is your own insurance company.
What Should I Do If I Need Financial Assistance For The Medical Bills After An Accident?
You might think that contacting your insurance company is the first thing to do if you need assistance with the medical bills after an accident. Informing your insurance company of the accident is indeed one of the first things you should do. However, it might be better to contact a car accident lawyer before you contact the insurance company.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Your PIP coverage is your first resort to seeking help with your medical bills after an accident. Having your lawyer working with you and dealing with the insurance company from the get-go can give you sound legal advice. While you are required to carry $10,000 in PIP coverage, your insurance company is not likely to pay out the entire amount in damages – even if your situation warrants it.
You see, your insurance company sends adjusters who investigate the accident. They examine your vehicle and ask questions to determine the insurance company’s liability. Insurance adjusters are excellent negotiators and do a good job of making it look like they represent your best interests. The reality is that these adjusters are looking for any reason to devalue your settlement or outright deny your claim.
You have to be very careful with what you say to the insurance adjuster. If you slip up and say the wrong thing, they can end up using your responses to lowball you with their settlement offer. They can be very convincing and can easily make you believe that their offer is the best that you can get. An experienced lawyer can see through their tactics and provide you with sound legal advice. They can ensure that the insurance company does not deprive you of the money you deserve.
Filing A Lawsuit Against The Other Driver
Another option to seek reparations to cover medical bills after experiencing an accident is to file a third-party lawsuit against the other driver. However, not all cases qualify to go out of Florida’s no-fault system. Filing lawsuits for car accident cases is usually the last option because your case has to meet certain requirements to be taken out of the no-fault system.
Suppose the accident resulted in damages exceeding the $10,000 PIP coverage, caused significant property damage, or caused severe injuries. In that case, you might be able to file a third-party case against the other driver. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you determine whether suing the other driver is the best resort and help you navigate the process of seeking a settlement.
Why Having an Attorney Is Helpful
Hiring an attorney for your auto accident case can help you in several ways. From talking to your insurance adjuster to filing a claim, a legal expert can give you the best advice on what to do after your accident. Your lawyer can ensure that you do not miss any deadlines to file your claim. They also know the ins and outs of Florida’s personal injury law. They have all the resources necessary to advocate and fight for justice on your behalf.
Unlike insurance adjusters, your car accident does not put on the guise of being an ally. Their best interests align with your well-being. Most Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means that they do not get paid unless they help you win your case. You can rely on them to have your best interests at heart and do everything to help you succeed.
Whether it is negotiating with your insurance adjuster to get a better settlement or filing a case against the other driver, the right lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome from your auto accident case.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are worried about the medical bills, consider contacting Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers. Their team of auto accident lawyers boasts a stellar track record of delivering favorable outcomes for their clients. They can increase your chances of ensuring that you get your rightful compensation for all the damages you have incurred.
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