Todd J. Herman, P.A.
Automobile Accidents
Being involved in an automobile, truck or motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience.
Florida Law Protects Drivers
Insurance companies often do not want to pay you the insurance benefits you are entitled despite paying them years or even decades of insurance premiums. At fault and negligent parties must be held responsible for their actions. Florida law protects drivers, passengers and pedestrians who are injured by another driver’s negligence. Insurance policy limits are an important aspect to your potential financial recovery.
We will request, obtain and thoroughly review all insurance policies that may provide coverage for your injuries. Florida law now requires treatment within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident. If you do not treat for your injuries within 14 days, you can lose your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. This is important because in no-fault states (Florida), each person’s insurance coverage is primary, particularly when it comes to paying for medical and hospital expenses. This means that your policy will pay for your injuries first and the at-fault driver’s liability coverage will kick in after your limits have been exhausted. Therefore, it is important to hire an attorney who fully understand Florida’s personal injury protection law.
What should you do?
The shock and trauma you suffer when you are involved in a car accident compounds any resulting physical injury and often leaves you feeling disoriented. The psychological effect of an automobile crash can very easily lead to a lack of clear thinking when faced with an angry driver who wants to hold you responsible for the situation. What should you do in such a situation? Difficult as it may seem, try to keep calm and rational as you discuss the matter with the other party to the accident. When you find yourself in the middle of a busy street after a road accident, it can be difficult to avoid the overwhelming feeling that you need to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Your first concern will be to ascertain if there are any physical injuries to the occupants of the vehicles involved, yourself included. Some injuries are readily apparent immediately while others may become evident later. For your own personal protection, never feel obliged to admit responsibility either verbally or in writing. This is especially important if you have suffered any type of injury, visible or otherwise. By all means, both drivers can exchange insurance details but it would be in your interests to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases.
Protect Your Own Interests
Considering the high proportion of automobile accidents in the South Florida area, it is prudent to be cognizant of the procedures to follow when faced with such a distressing incident. Most car drivers are unacquainted with the legalities of dealing with road accidents and how to proceed when personal injury occurs. There are times in our lives when we simply must leave some things to experienced attorneys who handle these matters every day. Failing to consult a reputable attorney could prove very costly and aggravate the situation.
You may think it is just a matter of dealing directly with your car insurance company, but remember, insurance companies are more interested in taking money from you in premiums and not so much in paying out. Seeking legal advice could mean you receive much more in compensation for injury or damage than you would by leaving it to the discretion of your insurers. Protect your own interests and take full advantage of the options available to you when accidents occur.
Keep a Record of the Accident When you are involved in a car accident, the challenge you face is to keep a clear head in the face of the upset this can cause. Before leaving the scene of the accident, take some time to write a description of what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. This would include details of the location, the direction both vehicles were traveling and a description of how the collision occurred. Make sure to record any comments made by the other driver related to injury or any suggestion as to accepting responsibility. These details will assist your lawyer to do the best for you in the situation.
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Enlist a Qualified Lawyer to be on your side
Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. When it results in personal injury it is important to ensure you are well represented legally. Some have made the mistake of going it alone in trying to recover compensation for damages to person or vehicle only to be disappointed. It is imperative that your rights are protected in the event of an automobile collision and seeking the advice of a reputable legal firm is the way to safeguard those personal rights. Yes, a car accident can be a very traumatic and painful experience, but you can ease the pain somewhat by enlisting the help of a qualified lawyer who will work in your best interests.
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1 East Broward Blvd.,
Suite 700
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
