Millions of people drive throughout Florida every day, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful scenery. Driving is probably the most frequent mode of transportation, yet it takes a great deal of expertise and caution to operate a vehicle safely. Legislators spend considerable time and money spreading safety information and enacting rules to deter dangerous driving practices. However, laws don’t stop negligent drivers from existing. People will continue to drive carelessly, and the repercussions of their actions can be fatal.
Every day, people are injured or killed in auto accidents. Getting into a car accident can be terrifying, and the aftermath stressful. You could have your hands full dealing with rehabilitation, medical bills, repair charges, and rental payments. Anyone who has been involved in a car accident should contact an experienced Davie car accident lawyer who can help them receive compensation and justice for their accident.
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What are Florida’s Car Insurance Requirements?
Like most states in America, Florida requires its drivers to carry insurance. Florida law requires you to show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance before you register or operate a vehicle with at least four wheels.
In the event of an accident, PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 arising from a covered injury no matter who is at fault. PDL covers damage to another person’s property caused by you or someone else driving your insured vehicle. To meet Florida’s car insurance requirements, your vehicle must:
- Be insured with PIP and PDL insurance at the time before it’s registered.
- Have a minimum coverage of $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL.
- Be covered under a policy issued by a Florida-licensed insurance company.
- Possess continuous coverage even if it is not being driven or is inoperable.
- Maintain Florida insurance coverage continuously throughout the registration period regardless of its location.
If you do not meet these requirements, you could face penalties. Failure to maintain your insurance coverage throughout your vehicle’s registration could result in the suspension of your driver’s license, license plate, and registration. Your driving privilege and license plate may be suspended for up to three years, and you may be required to pay a fee of up to $500 to reinstate your license and registration. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact a Davie car accident attorney for legal guidance.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Davie, FL
Driving can sometimes feel like playing chess as you maneuver around people and try to predict what their moves will be. Plenty of drivers on the road seem to be following their own road laws, making things difficult for everyone else making their way across town. The leading causes of car accidents include:
- Disobeying traffic laws: Disobeying traffic laws occurs more often than anyone would like. People run red lights, fail to yield when necessary, and speed.
- Driving while distracted: Distractions make it difficult to remain alert while on the road. Vigilance is critical to being prepared to react appropriately to any unforeseen events on the road. Irresponsible drivers are usually distracted by their phones, food, or passengers.
- Bad driving skills: Bad drivers may perform unexpected stops and swerve. They can also be unpredictable, which is dangerous for everyone else on the road.
- Not signaling properly: People often get into accidents after someone neglects to use essential safety features like their vehicle’s turn signal. Failing to keep your car’s parts in functioning order, such as having defective brake lights, can also be considered an act of negligence.
When drivers are uncertain of each other’s actions and aren’t good at communicating or telegraphing their moves, it makes things unsafe for everyone. In circumstances like these, accidents are sure to occur. If you or your loved one were involved in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact our top-rated car accident lawyer in Davie, FL for legal help.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Davie, Florida?
If you suffer injuries due to someone being negligent and causing a car accident, you will likely qualify for compensation for any losses. The damages that are most likely to be eligible for this recovery include the following:
- Attorney fees
- Medical bills, including those for
- Ambulance
- Hospital, urgent care, emergency room, or doctor’s visits
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Mental health care
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wage loss or loss of wage-earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Other damages may also qualify for compensation, depending on your circumstances and the details of the incident. We recommend you work with a Davie car accident lawyer for assistance, as your attorney can help you uncover other qualifying damages, estimate the value of your case, and increase the compensation you are able to receive.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Davie, Florida
Getting in a car accident can be very disorienting. Many things are running through your head, and now you have to be worried about everything that comes next. Am I covered for this? Is my car irreparably damaged? What about the other driver? How am I going to pay for this? Dealing with a car accident is such a cumbersome and involved process that, understandably, people get confused about what they should do afterward.
A significant part of dealing with a car accident is filing a car accident claim so that you can receive compensation to help you cover some of the damages you’ve incurred from the accident. Anyone who is planning on filing a car accident claim should:
- Report the accident to the police
- Talk to their insurance company
- Document the accident
- Gather evidence
- Talk to witnesses
- Hire a car accident attorney
- Take pictures
- Check for video camera recordings
You’ll also want to seek medical attention if you sense that you have been injured in any way. Get the legal support you deserve after a car accident. Contact our experienced Davie car accident attorneys today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Florida?
In most car accidents resulting in serious physical injuries, victims will have up to four years to file a claim for compensation. This means the statute of limitations ends four years after the date of the accident. If you miss the deadline to file your claim, the legal system will most likely dismiss the case.
Statutes of limitations exist to allow the legal system to evaluate claims fairly and effectively. The idea is that, four years after the car accident, the quality of evidence and witness statements will have greatly declined. The four year statute of limitations also applies to most other incidents resulting in serious injuries, or personal injury cases.
If you need more information about the statute of limitations and how it might apply to your legal circumstances, we encourage you to contact an attorney from The Law Offices of Scott Sobol. We can help you understand your rights, break down assorted laws, and gain a stronger understanding of your needs. Allow us to tailor our support to your needs and circumstances.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In some cases, a car accident will have a tragic outcome where a loved one may die from their injuries in a car accident. When someone dies in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, someone else may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. In Florida, wrongful death suits can only be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate, not just any family member or relative.
A personal representative is someone named in the decedent’s will or trust as the executor or administrator for their estate. This person is empowered to carry out the decedent’s wishes by serving as a fiduciary. If your loved one died without a will or trust, a probate court will designate someone to take on that role, and that person is usually a family member. Get in contact with our car accident attorneys in Davie, FL for legal assistance. We will fight for justice and compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About car accidents
After a car accident, ensure safety by checking for injuries, calling 911, and exchanging information with all involved parties. Take photos of the scene and speak to any witnesses. Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
It’s best to contact a car crash attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Early consultation helps protect your rights, ensures timely filing of claims, and helps gather important evidence. An experienced car crash attorney, like Scott Sobol, will guide you through the legal process.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy, especially if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault in the accident.
The time to resolve a case varies based on factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take longer if they go to trial.
While it’s possible to handle a claim on your own, having an experienced attorney like Scott Sobol greatly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can help protect your interests.
Get Help Filing a Claim from an Experienced Davie Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with a car accident can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to do it alone. Car accidents always have numerous consequences. From property damage to medical expenses, you can expect to incur bills that need to be paid for your claim to be fully resolved. That’s where an experienced car accident lawyer in Davie comes in.
The Law Offices of Scott Sobol have been providing his clients with compassionate representation since 2003. Working across the state of Florida, Mr. Sobol has the experience necessary to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. He has represented thousands of clients and their families throughout his career and is well-versed in handling car accident cases. Schedule your consultation call with our Davie car accident attorneys at (954) 440-2000 or submit our contact form.
