Getting into a car accident isn’t a pleasant experience, and in some cases, it can drastically impact your life in a matter of seconds. Between dealing with injuries, repairing your car, and trying to make sense of insurance paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In Florida, where unique no-fault laws and tight deadlines come into play, it’s especially important to understand when hiring a car accident lawyer is the right move.
While not every crash calls for legal help, there are many situations where an attorney can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. So how do you know when it’s time to get one involved?
This article walks you through everything you should consider about hiring a car accident lawyer in Florida, how the state’s insurance laws affect your claim, and what a lawyer can actually do for you.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida is one of the few states that uses a no-fault insurance model. That means your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who caused the accident. This type of insurance coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and is required for all registered vehicles in Florida.
However, PIP has limitations:
- It only covers up to $10,000 in medical and wage loss benefits.
- You must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to qualify.
- It doesn’t pay for pain and suffering or long-term damages.
If your injuries are serious and exceed PIP coverage, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. That’s where having an attorney becomes especially important.
When You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida
1. You’ve Suffered Serious or Permanent Injuries
If your injuries are more than minor—such as broken bones, spinal injuries, head trauma, or anything with long-term effects—you should speak to a lawyer. Florida law allows you to file a personal injury claim if you meet the serious injury threshold, which includes:
- Significant or permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical certainty
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
A lawyer can help prove your injuries meet this threshold and pursue additional damages outside the no-fault system.
2. Your Medical Bills Are Piling Up
Once you hit your PIP limit, you’re responsible for any additional expenses unless you can recover damages from the other driver. A lawyer can help you calculate the full scope of your current and future medical costs and fight for a fair settlement.
3. The Insurance Company Denied or Undervalued Your Claim
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If your insurer or the other driver’s insurance company is delaying, denying, or lowballing your claim, a lawyer can step in to negotiate on your behalf.
4. Fault Is Being Disputed
In Florida, motor vehicle accidents follow a pure comparative negligence system, which means compensation awarded to you can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If there’s any dispute about who caused the crash, or the other side is blaming you, having an attorney can protect your right to full compensation.
5. The Crash Involved a Commercial Vehicle or Government Entity
Accidents involving trucks, rideshare vehicles, or public agencies can involve complicated liability issues. These cases often require deeper investigation and strict deadlines, making legal help essential.
6. You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Legal processes, insurance forms, and medical bills can be a lot to manage—especially when you’re trying to recover physically. A lawyer can relieve that burden and allow you to focus on healing while they handle the legal side.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
When you hire a car accident attorney in Florida, they can:
- Review your insurance policy and help you understand your coverage
- Collect medical records, witness statements, and evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Help establish liability and calculate full damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are offered a fair settlement or represent you in court if needed
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront—they only get paid if you recover compensation.
Don’t Miss Florida’s Statute of Limitations
As of 2023, Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from car accidents. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, it’s important to know your rights and your options. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we help injured drivers get the compensation they deserve—and we handle the tough parts so you don’t have to.
Whether your injuries are serious, the insurance company is giving you the runaround, or you’re just not sure what to do next, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.