Jacksonville, Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an accident?
What is considered a serious injury under the No-Fault law?
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver?
How soon do I need to notify my insurance company following an accident?
What if my own insurance company refuses to pay for my damages?
Q.) What should I do immediately after an accident?
A.) There are certain actions you should take right after you have been involved in an automobile accident including:
- Do not refuse any medical treatment at the scene or after. See a doctor immediately or as soon afterwards as you can. Some injuries do not manifest themselves right away. You may find yourself suffering from an injury after a month has passed. You will more likely be covered if you agreed to medical care at the time of the accident.
- Do not accept any responsibility unless you are absolutely certain of everything that happened.
- Call the police to have an accident report generated as soon as possible. Under Florida law, you must tell the investigating officer about the circumstances of the accident. Do not discuss the accident with anyone else at the scene.
- Notify your insurance company and fill out a claim. Keep a copy for your records.
- Take pictures of any damages to your property or your body. It also helps to have pictures of the surroundings at the scene of the accident.
- Contact an auto accident attorney and find out what your rights and responsibilities are.
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Q.) What is considered a serious injury under the No-Fault law?
A.) Serious impairments under the No-Fault Law are defined as an impairment of an important bodily function that affects the person’s ability to lead a normal life. The deciding party as to whether your injury reaches this required level of severity will be a judge or jury. Permanent injury can include pain which does not resolve after treatment.
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Q.) How long do I have to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver?
A.) The victim of an automobile accident has up to four years, in Florida, from the time of the accident to file a claim against an at-fault driver. However, you should not delay in contacting an attorney if you have suffered a significant injury.
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Q.) How soon do I need to notify my insurance company following an accident?
A.) It is important that you notify your insurance company immediately after being involved in an accident. You should contact them by telephone to explain the incident. You should also fill out a written claim with your insurance carrier as soon as you have all of the facts. Keep a copy of the claim for your own records. Your claim should include:
- Medical costs
- Property damages
- Wage losses
- Any costs directly related to the auto accident (out of pocket expenses)
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Q.) What if my own insurance company refuses to pay for my damages?
A.) If your own insurance company unjustifiably refuses to pay your damages, then you are entitled to sue them. If the court decides in your favor, the insurance company must pay all of your damages, including your auto accident attorney fees and expenses relating to the suit.
To learn more about car accidents in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, please contact the law offices of Hardesty, Tyde, Green and Ashton, P.A. today.
- Property damages
- Wage losses
- Any costs directly related to the accident (out of pocket expenses)
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