What Can I Do if the Insurance Company Says I Am at Fault for My Traffic Accident?
According to the FLHSMV, in 2022, there were 395,887 traffic crashes in Florida. While no one wishes to get involved in a traffic accident, it is a reality that many road users have to experience at some point in their life. Fortunately, if you are involved in a traffic crash because of another party’s negligence, Florida law allows you to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation from the negligent party. In Florida, you can recover compensatory damages (economic and non-economic damages) in a personal injury claim. Additionally, depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for punitive damages. But what happens if the defendant’s insurance company claims you are at fault for your accident?
If the defendant’s insurance company claims that you are to blame for your traffic crash, you should contact a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have not done that already. A skilled personal injury attorney can investigate your case to determine who is at fault for your accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine if the insurance company is wrong. If they are, your attorney can help you prove that you are not to blame for your accident. Additionally, even if you are partially to blame for your Florida traffic accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation from the other negligent party. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation in a personal injury claim as long as your percentage of fault is not more than that of the defendant.
Steps To Take After a Florida Traffic Accident
After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or motorcycle accident, there are certain steps you need to take after your accident to protect your right to fair compensation. The following are some of the steps to take after being involved in any type of traffic crash;
- Remain at the Accident Scene
Never leave an accident scene before the police are notified. Calm down and check for injuries on yourself and others involved in the accident. If there are serious injuries, call emergency medical services immediately.
- Exchange Information
After checking yourself and others for injuries, exchange information with the other party or parties involved in the accident. Crucial information to exchange at an accident scene includes name, contact number, and insurance information.
- Document the Accident Scene
As you wait for the authorities to arrive, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Take pictures of, among other things, property damage, the road around the scene, road conditions, traffic or road signs, weather or environmental conditions, and any suspected contributory factor to the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention
As soon as the police release you from the accident scene, seek medical attention. Even if you think you are not injured, see a doctor. Some injuries are not easily noticeable, and others take time to become apparent.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Contact our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm if you’ve been involved in a Florida traffic crash. We can help you pursue your personal injury claim. We can help you fight against any tactics the defendant’s insurance company tries to use to deny or devalue your claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, and Melbourne areas.
