Starke Auto Accident Lawyer
Auto accidents may sound like minor events, but they are not. They can be very serious and when they are, they are also traumatic for victims who are injured as a result. An auto accident will cause you to incur high medical bills, and you may not be able to go back to work right away to pay for them. In Starke, as throughout the rest of Florida, you have many options for claiming compensation that can help cover the cost of your injuries. Below, our Starke auto accident lawyer explains what these options are.
The No-Fault Auto Insurance Laws in Starke
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that all drivers are required to purchase certain amounts of insurance, including personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. When you are in an accident, you can then file a claim with your own insurance company to obtain your PIP benefits. You do not have to prove someone else was to blame for the crash, and you can claim these benefits even if you were partly at fault for the accident.
Unfortunately, the minimum amount of PIP benefits you are required to carry under the law is only $10,000. Considering that an accident can leave you with some of the most serious injuries that could require long hospital stays, surgeries, and more, this amount is likely not going to be enough to cover the cost of your injury. When this is the case, you can file a claim directly against the negligent party.
Filing an Auto Accident Claim Against the Negligent Driver After a Crash
After you have exhausted your PIP coverage, you can file a claim directly against the at-fault party to recover additional compensation. To do this, your injuries must meet the serious injury threshold outlined under state law.
When filing a claim against a negligent party, you must file it with the insurance company that provides them auto insurance. You must prove that the insured individual acted negligently and that the negligent act caused your accident. Speeding, drunk driving, and driving while distracted are just a few acts of negligence that can cause an accident. You must also establish the nature and severity of your injuries.
Once you have filed the claim with the insurance company, you will then enter into negotiations with them. Most people prefer to work with a Starke auto accident lawyer who has the necessary experience negotiating so they can obtain the full settlement they are entitled to. Most auto accident cases end in a settlement, but there are times when a case has to go to trial.
Our Auto Accident Lawyer in Starke Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
The aftermath of a car accident is stressful, but it is important to know you have options. At Douglas & Douglas, our Starke auto accident lawyer will explain your legal options and help you obtain the maximum damages you rightfully deserve. Call us now at 386-752-5511 or reach out to us online to schedule a free accident consultation and to learn more.
