Should I Hire an Attorney If I Wasn't at Blame in a Car Accident?

After a car accident that was not your fault, you are not required to hire an attorney. However, doing so could allow you to receive compensation and avoid responsibility for the accident.

You may be required to have your vehicle repaired, consult a specialist for therapy, or miss work as a result of a car accident. A car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover compensation, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you: your recovery, your health, and your loved ones.

This article discusses the following:

• Why should you consult with a lawyer prior to filing an insurance claim?
• A car accident attorney can help you determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled
• Am I required to call the police following a minor collision?
• Should I notify the police about my minor collision?
• What happens when the police arrive to the scene of the accident?
• What should I do after a car accident?
• Should I see a doctor if I don't feel injured after a car accident?
• How soon after a car accident can I see a physician if I am not injured?
• Is it possible for me to be afflicted by an illness that I cannot see or feel?
• What are the advantages of consulting a medical professional after a car accident?
• What may occur if you are involved in a car accident without insurance?
• Can I be compensated if I don’t have insurance?
• Is it possible to get car insurance after a car accident?
• What are the consequences for unlicensed drivers with the Florida DMV after an accident?
• What are the most common types of car accidents?
• How negligent driving changes lives in an instant
• What is the role of a car accident attorney?
• We can help you with your car accident claim
• How can I speak with a South Florida car accident attorney about my specific situation?
• An attorney can file a complaint or negotiate a settlement outside of court

Why Should You Consult an Attorney Before Submitting an Insurance Claim?

To receive compensation, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, your own insurance provider, or both. Flanagan Injury Law can help you file these claims with the proper parties.

Under Florida law, the at-fault driver is responsible for your property damage and injuries, but your personal insurance policy protects your physical injury through its medical negligence protection clause.

Negotiating with, or simply interacting with, the insurance provider without first consulting with a lawyer is a bad idea. The insurer's goal when interacting with you is to limit or eliminate the amount of money they are required to reimburse you.

Any remark you make could be twisted and used against you by the insurers to justify less compensation or the denial of your claim. Flanagan Injury Law can assist you in avoiding some of the most common mistakes that car drivers face when filing insurance claims.

A Car Accident Attorney can Assist you in Determining the Amount of Compensation to Which you are Entitled

Do you know how much money you could be entitled to after a car accident? Maybe you just got a quote to fix your car, or maybe you just got paid from your post-accident trip to the hospital. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be able to sue for a variety of damages. As an example:

• Medical expenses that we can reasonably predict you will incur as a result of the accident in the near future.
• Lost wages: Time spent away from work while recovering from an injury or receiving medical treatment.
• Decreased economic ability: If your injury has affected your ability to work and earn a living, either temporarily or permanently.
• You could be entitled to thousands of dollars in damages for the physiological and mental anguish caused by the accident.
• Disability: A disability is defined as an impairment to the spine, limbs, vital organs, or brain that restricts your ability to use the affected area temporarily or permanently.
• Reduced standard of living: You are unable to move as easily, take better care of yourself, or participate in favorite activities as you did before the incident.
• Punitive Damages: We can seek punitive damages if we can prove that the opposing driver acted recklessly or intentionally. Punitive damages are quite uncommon.

Flanagan Injury Law can examine the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine which of these penalties you may be able to recover.

If you've been in a serious traffic accident, the law requires you to report it to the appropriate authorities. While Florida law may not require you to notify authorities if the vehicle collision was minor, it may be in your best interests to do so if you later decide to file an insurance claim or file a lawsuit.

Contact Our Attorneys Right Now!

Am I Required to Call the Police Following a Minor Collision?

You may not need to contact the authorities if you were involved in a minor car accident, such as a fender bender. If your collision meets one or more of the following criteria, you must report it to the authorities as soon as possible, according to Florida law:

• An injury or fatality resulted from the accident
• A driver fled the scene after the collision.
• A driver was inebriated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
• The collision caused so much damage to a vehicle that it had to be towed away
• A commercial vehicle, such as a big rig, was involved in the accident

Should I Notify the Police About my Minor Collision?

If a minor accident does not meet the aforementioned criteria, you are not required to report it. Nonetheless, our attorneys recommend that you report it.

Police reports are vital pieces of evidence that we can use to support your personal injury protection (PIP) policy lawsuit. The police report may help you claim compensation under your PIP coverage for property damage and lost wages by establishing the date of the accident and other critical information.

If the other driver in your collision is unwilling or unable to provide details, or you suspect they are underinsured, you should contact law enforcement.

What Happens When the Police Arrives to the Scene of the Accident?

Following the filing of the complaint, a police officer will arrive on the scene and complete a Florida Traffic Crash Report. This report includes information such as: the drivers, passengers, and bystanders involved in the accident are listed below.

• The vehicles involved
• The crash's facts, such as the time, location, and weather conditions
• What caused the accident?
• Whether or not one or more parties violated a traffic law or received a driving citation
• Whether or not a driver was under the influence
• Proof of Insurance for all vehicles involved in the collision
• Whether or not anyone was injured
• Any eyewitnesses who were present at the scene and their contact information

1) What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

It is essential to notify the authorities of your accident, but this is not the only action you must take. Following a car accident, there are a number of additional steps that must be taken.

Observe the Situation

You may be charged with hit and run if you leave the scene of the accident too quickly. In most cases, you must wait until law enforcement gives you permission to leave before exchanging information with the other parties involved.

This rule does not apply if you or another person was seriously injured and required immediate medical attention. Of course, the injured party should seek medical attention immediately and then communicate with authorities.

Remove your Vehicle if it’s Blocking the Way

If it is possible to do so, move your vehicle off the road to reduce the risk to others. Pull over to the side of the road and remain as close as possible to the accident scene.

Seek Medical Care

Even if the injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or another person has been injured. If your wounds are minor, you must decide whether or not to seek medical attention.

If you have the choice between going home and seeking medical attention, our personal injury lawyers advise you to go to the hospital. A more comprehensive examination may reveal additional ailments that you were previously unaware of.

Gather information

Begin gathering information from other drivers and bystanders, as well as documenting the accident scene, after requesting medical assistance. Everyone on the scene should exchange contact information, and those involved in the incident should provide information about their insurance policies. You should also take pictures of your injuries, your car, the vehicles of the other parties, and the accident scene.

2) Should I see a doctor if I don't feel injured after a car accident?

Even if you have no visible injuries and feel fine, it is a good idea to see your doctor as soon as possible after the accident. As a result of the following:

• Not all injuries cause immediate symptoms. A physician can detect and treat these conditions before they become severe.
• You may feel better knowing that you've been examined and cleared by a medical professional.
• Even minor wounds can recover more rapidly and completely if they are treated immediately.

3) How soon after a car accident can I see a physician if I am not injured?

Following a car accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you don't appear to have any significant injuries, there's no need to rush to the hospital in critical condition or call a paramedic.

However, waiting days or months for professional help is not ideal. (If you're reading this after a long time has passed since your car accident, it's never too late to see your doctor, and it's better to see one a few weeks later than never.)

Furthermore, based on what they discover, your doctor will recommend a medical program for you to follow in the coming weeks or months. This will not only help your health and recovery, but it will also help your case by demonstrating that you are seeking ongoing treatment for your accident-related impairments.

4) Is it possible for me to be afflicted by an illness that I cannot see or feel?

A definitive answer to such a question is impossible to provide. However, the chances are high enough that you should never believe that just because you feel and look fine, you are not injured and do not need to see a doctor.

If nothing else, seeing a doctor after a car accident ensures that you haven't overlooked any internal injuries, some of which could be serious.

Injuries to the head are especially hard to detect, as they frequently manifest no outward signs or symptoms, but gradually worsen as the brain expands within the skull. Are you certain you did not hit your head on anything during the chaos of the accident, including the console, the driver's or passenger's side window, or the backrest on your seat?

Your physician will likely confirm that your intuition was correct and that you do not have any serious injuries. However, the confidence alone is worth the cost and the time required to get there.

5) What are the advantages of consulting a medical professional after a car accident?

In most jurisdictions, including Florida, if the police report and evidence show that another driver was at fault, they are liable for your property damage. Property damage includes the value of any additional physical collateral damages caused by the accident, such as electronic devices or personal belongings you were transporting in the vehicle, as well as damage to your vehicle or, if your vehicle is determined to be a total loss, or its market rate value.

Receiving compensation for bodily harm, on the other hand, can be more difficult. You must first file a claim with your own insurance company in Florida, claiming personal injury protection under your policy (PIP).

To succeed, you'll need the strongest evidence possible, which includes establishing a conclusive, indisputable link between the vehicle accident and your injuries. The earlier you see a doctor, the easier it will be. A long period of time between the incident and your initial post-crash medical evaluation makes it easier for another driver to call the causative relationship into question or argue that something happened in the meantime that caused your injuries.

What may occur if you are involved in a car accident without insurance?

If you cause a fatal car accident while driving without insurance, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has the authority to revoke your driver's license, car registration, license plate, and labels. If no one was injured in the incident, even if it was your fault, you may be able to keep your license and registration if you show proof that you have purchased the necessary insurance since the accident.

If you caused the accident, you will be held financially liable for the damages caused to others. If you were not at fault for the accident and were injured, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver even if you do not have insurance.

Flanagan Injury Law will assist you in filing a claim against the insurance carrier of the driver responsible for the accident.

Can I be Compensated if I Don't have Insurance?

If you are involved in a car accident without insurance, your responsibilities will be determined by who was at fault and whether anyone was injured as a result of the accident.

Florida's no-fault statutes apply if no one was physically injured in the accident. This means that each driver must seek compensation from his or her own insurance company for damages. You will have to pay for the repairs yourself due to your lack of insurance.

If physical injuries occurred as a result of your negligence, you are responsible for compensating the other parties for their injuries and vehicle damage. Once you've paid them, you'll get a signed form that releases you from any future obligations. If you can't afford to reimburse everyone in full, you could try to set up a payment plan.

If someone else caused the accident, the at-fault party's insurance company will almost certainly compensate you for your injuries and losses. Flanagan Injury Law, based in Florida, represents victims who have been hurt in car accidents caused by others.

Is it Possible to Get Car Insurance After a Car Accident?

You should obtain auto insurance as soon as possible after a collision. When you purchase your policy, you must notify your insurance company that you were involved in an uninsured accident and obtain an SR-22 certificate of liability. You must submit this to DHSMV for three years after an automobile collision without insurance.

What are the Consequences for Unlicensed Drivers with the Florida DMV after an Accident?

The DHSMV will revoke your driver's license, as well as your car registration, plates, and tags, if you have an auto accident without insurance. To avoid this, make sure you meet their requirements by the deadline.

The Bureau of Motorist Compliance of the DHSMV is in charge of enforcing insurance laws (BMC). This agency is in charge of dealing with uninsured drivers who cause accidents. The BMC can suspend your license for up to 20 months or until you repay the liability if another driver in the collision files a lawsuit against you and wins a judgment for damages.

To avoid this outcome, you must submit your SR-22 to the BMC or your local DHSMV office by the deadline, along with the liability releases you obtained from each person involved in the incident.

What Are the Top Common Types of Automobile Accidents?

Millions of people in the United States are injured or permanently harmed every year as a result of car accidents. Some of the most common types of car accidents include side-impact collisions, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle collisions, and automobile spinouts. Our car accident attorneys discuss the most common types of car accidents, their major causes, and why hiring a lawyer is a good idea.

T-bone collisions: also referred to as side-impact collisions, happen all the time at intersections, in parking spaces, and as a result of improper passing. These collisions can result in serious injuries because most automobiles are not well-protected on the sides.

Rear-end collisions: When a driver is distracted and collides with the vehicle in front of them, this is known as a rear-end collision. Poor weather, drowsy driving, and ramming are also possible causes.

Head-on collisions: These can result in serious injuries. This type of accident can happen when a driver refuses to stay in their lane and collides with oncoming traffic.

Multi-vehicle collisions: Because multiple parties are involved, multi-vehicle collision cases are frequently more complicated than other accident claims. It is difficult to determine who is to blame for the incident and how it occurred.

Vehicle rollovers: In this type of accident, driver behavior, vehicle type, and external factors all contribute to the car flipping onto its sides or its roof. As a result, rollovers have a higher fatality rate.

How Negligent Driving Changes Lives in an Instant

Many people are tragically involved in major automobile accidents caused by other drivers’ irresponsibility; their lives are turned upside down in an instant, with disastrous consequences for their long-term health, lifestyle, and financial security. Consider the following points if you want to know what the most common types of car accidents are and what causes them:

• Distracted driving, including cell phone use
• Impaired driving, driving when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Violation of traffic laws
• Driving on the wrong side of the road or abruptly changing lanes
• When essential, failing to cede the way

If you were involved in a car accident or lost a loved one due to another driver's negligence, you should seek legal assistance from a firm that offers a free case evaluation. There is no risk involved in obtaining a legal opinion about your situation.

In What Circumstances Might You Need an Attorney?

Because Florida is a fault-free state, your insurance coverage will almost always cover your damages and losses. If you're wondering what the most common types of car accidents are and whether you should seek legal help if you've been in one, here are some examples of when it's a good idea to do so:

• You or a loved one were severely injured or killed as a result of the accident.
• Because of your injuries, you are unable to work
• An insurance company has offered you a low-ball cash settlement
• Multiple parties were involved in the crash
• The negligent party was the uninsured or underinsured driver
• You need assistance collecting evidence to prove negligence

What is the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer?

Attorneys who handle car accident cases have many responsibilities. Among them are the following:

• Gather evidence from witnesses, paperwork, specialists, and other sources to build the strongest possible case
• Identifying all accountable parties involved
• Estimating an appropriate financial value for your losses
• Contacting the responsible parties and their representatives, such as their insurance provider
• Filing related documents to your case, such as notifications, legal papers, and settlement agreements
• Advising you on your options, such as whether to settle or take your case to court
• Negotiating with the insurance provider to get a fair settlement deal
• Presenting arguments in court, interviewing witnesses, offering proof, and similar legal activities
• Lastly and most importantly, you should hire a lawyer, even if the incident was not your fault, because you may not be able to allocate the necessary time and energy to a lawsuit while you are recovering from injuries

We Can Assist You with Your Automobile Accident Claim

Your personal injury claim is in good hands with the lawyers at Flanagan Injury Law, who are prepared to assist you. Your initial consultation is entirely free. During your first call or visit, we will do the following:

• You will have our full attention as you explain the details of the accident
• We will immediately let you know if you have a case and how we can assist you
• You have the freedom to choose your next steps; you are under no obligation to hire us following the session

Our clients receive personalized attention and guidance. In addition to seeking the compensation to which you are entitled, we can assist you with the following:

• If you are not well enough to travel, we will visit you at your home or in the hospital
• We will not charge you any legal expenses until we have obtained a settlement on your behalf
• Keeping you up to date on the progress of your case
• We will promptly respond to any questions or concerns you may have, whether you contact us by phone, text, or email
• We will arrange for doctor's appointments, and your car repair on your behalf

How Can I Talk to a Car Accident Attorney in South Florida About My Particular instance?

Once you have safely returned home, you can contact the lawyers at Flanagan Injury Law for further assistance. We can help you file a complaint with your insurance company in order to recover PIP benefits. We may be able to obtain additional damages for people who have suffered more serious injuries.

After the session, you have the option of hiring one of our car accidents lawyers. If you wish, we can assign a professional, supportive attorney to your case. They can work with you to figure out the next steps.

An Attorney Can Initiate a Complaint or Negotiate Terms Outside of Court

Although the at-fault driver should be responsible for your losses, compensation is limited to the policy limits of the driver. You may be required to pursue the driver individually for any additional compensation to which you are entitled.

We advise that you seek the assistance of an attorney to guide you through the procedure. Your attorney can evaluate the merit of your complaint, investigate the responsible party outside of court, and, if necessary, pursue legal action and have a jury hear your case.

Call 1-888-587-9581 immediately for a free appointment with the experienced legal team at Flanagan Injury Law, in Florida.