Car accidents impact many individuals, from drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and more. Many passengers involved in Florida car accidents do not know that they have just as many rights as other victims that are injured in car accidents. A passenger has a right to seek compensation for their losses including medical bills that they have sustained, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It is important that passengers know their rights after they have been harmed in a car accident.

Do I file a claim against the driver and their insurance company? As a passenger involved in a collision, you have the right to file a claim against a party that acted negligently. You should be prepared to file your claim against the negligent driver who caused your accident, as well as that driver’s insurance company. If the driver who caused your accident did not own the vehicle, you should also bring a claim against the owner of the vehicle. However, you should not move forward with your claim until you have spoken with a legal advocate who is well-versed in the laws regarding these accidents. 

Should I also file against my own insurance company? Yes, in some cases you might make a claim against your own insurance company. If you own insurance, you have the right to file for PIP benefits, which are known as personal injury protection. These benefits pay the expenses of an insured person when no fault has been established so that you can have your damages cared for.

What happens if the driver who caused my accident does not have insurance? If the driver who caused your accident does not have insurance, you will need to have what is known as ‘uninsured motorist coverage.’ This protects you if the driver does not have insurance and you need to be covered for various aspects. If the other driver does have insurance but it does not cover you, then underinsured motorist coverage will have to kick in.

What must I do if I want to file an injury claim? After your accident, the insurance company will get ahold of you so that you can get started on your claim. An investigation will begin and, if you know that you will not be covered when it concerns certain damages, you will need to get started on your claim with the help of a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will launch their own investigation, take a look at your evidence, and confirm the circumstances through what was written in the police report. 

Should I try to handle my claim on my own or speak with an attorney? Florida has strict guidelines and time limitations that you must meet when you are filing a claim. Because of this, you should never move forward without the help of a car accident attorney as you seek compensation for your losses.

Moving Forward with the Help of an Accident Attorney 

After an accident, many victims wonder where they should turn as they work toward compensation for their losses. Our car accident attorneys at Sheftall & Associates are committed to helping you gain compensation for losses such as lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. If you have been injured, you have many rights at this time. Please contact our skilled law firm at (904) 575-9026 for the help you deserve in your time of need.