While no amount of money can eradicate a car crash victim’s suffering, insurance policies often cover some or all of the costs of medical care, property damage, and other losses, helping individuals to recover and get back on their feet. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you have been hit by an uninsured driver or do not have adequate insurance yourself, you may face significant obstacles in your pursuit of compensation. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida has the highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the nation. There is hope, though. A Melbourne uninsured car accident lawyer can provide guidance to help you seek fair compensation for your losses, including medical bills and lost wages. If you are the victim of a car crash involving an uninsured motorist, turn to the office of Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Call (844) 730-0233 for a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.
Types of Damages Associated with Car Crashes
Car accidents can cause a broad range of injuries, ranging from lacerations, whiplash, and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and paralysis. In addition to the physical toll a crash can take, victims may also experience emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress and anxiety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about two million people are injured every year in car crashes in the United States. As devastating as injuries can be, the consequences of a car crash are even more tragic for those who lose a loved one. According to the CDC, there are about 32,000 traffic fatalities in the U.S. annually. Because the types and severity of car crash injuries can vary so significantly, there is likewise an array of damages associated with car accident claims. These are some of the most common:
- Current and reasonably anticipated medical bills, including emergency care and long-term recovery, such as surgeries or physical therapy
- Lost wages for hours you missed because of your injuries, whether due to incapacitation or medical appointments
- Reduced earning capacity if a grievous injury prevents you from returning to your previous position
- Cost to hire staff to perform essential duties you can no longer do yourself because of your injuries
- Loss of consortium if you can no longer provide your spouse with the same level of intimacy and benefits of marriage due to a grievous injury
- Emotional pain and anguish
- Funeral and burial or cremation expenses (for crash fatalities)
This list is not comprehensive. A Melbourne uninsured car accident lawyer can help you identify and assess the losses you have suffered and assist you in seeking just compensation. When you are well enough to do so, consider getting in touch with an attorney to explore your options.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured car accidents lawyer serving Melbourne, call (844) 730-0233
Florida Insurance Laws
States can be either “fault” or “no-fault” when it comes to car crash liability. The stance a state takes factors into the insurance claims process. In a no-fault state like Florida, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is not liable to pay for a victim’s injuries. Instead, victims must seek compensation for their losses from their own insurance company.
Under Florida state law, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. This rule is designed to protect individuals in case of a crash, ensuring they have a financial safety net to cover at least a portion of the cost of their losses. Because Florida is a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry a specific kind of insurance called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This policy should pay up to $10,000 for services such as emergency medical care, or up to $2,500 for the treatment of a non-emergency condition.
However, partly because of the state’s no-fault policy, drivers are not required to carry bodily liability insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage is also optional in the state. If your injuries are severe and your insurance policy does not cover the full extent of your losses, you can still seek compensation from the at-fault driver personally by filing a personal injury suit against them.
Melbourne Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
You Have a Limited Time to Take Action
It is important to notify your car insurance company of an incident as promptly as possible. Most insurance providers have a clause in their policies which states policyholders must notify them of an event within a “reasonable” timeframe. Typically, this entails a few weeks at most. If you do not file a claim within a reasonable timeframe, it may be denied.
However, this is not the only deadline you need to bear in mind. Every state also has a statute of limitations or a timeframe within which individuals may bring a suit against another party after an incident. According to Florida Statute § 95.11, individuals typically have four years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit. A Melbourne uninsured car accident lawyer can ensure you file before the deadline.
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How a Melbourne Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Seeking compensation for your injuries can be tedious and time-consuming at best. In situations where your insurance policy does not cover the full extent of your injuries, pursuing monetary awards from the at-fault driver can involve an even more complicated and lengthy legal process. Fortunately, a Melbourne uninsured car accident lawyer can support you.
Here are some steps a lawyer can take to assist you:
- Conduct an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and the sequence of events leading up to it.
- Build a case based on the details of the situation.
- Design a strategy to seek compensation on your behalf.
- Help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies, the defendant, or the defendant’s legal representative on your behalf.
- Represent you in civil court, if necessary.
- Communicate with you throughout the process to update you on the status of your case and address any concerns or questions.
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Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC
Car crashes can be traumatic, resulting in severe physical and psychological wounds. If you are feeling overwhelmed, facing mounting medical bills and an uncertain future as a result of your injuries, the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help. Call the office at (844) 730-0233 to speak with a staff member to discuss your situation and determine if our attorneys can assist you.
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