Although roads in the area are much quieter than they once were, heavy traffic still causes trouble where it flows into city streets. Even minor collisions can result in serious consequences, as our experienced personal injury attorneys know.
State law requires car owners to have no-fault coverage for medical bills, but the law can also leave injured people without the compensation they need. An Ormond Beach car accident lawyer from Rue & Ziffra can help you understand your next steps and protect your rights.
Any car accident can be dangerous, especially to senior citizens, who may suffer fractures more easily. Different kinds of collisions pose particular risks. Side impact or T-bone collisions can cause multiple major fractures. Rollovers in top-heavy vehicles endanger the head and upper body, risking traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), crush injuries, and spinal fractures. Rear-end collisions threaten whiplash-associated disorder in the head, neck, and spine, as well as possible TBIs or lacerations.
Hidden injuries can be deadly, so you should not delay medical treatment if you were involved in a car crash. Seeking medical care may also strengthen your insurance claim if you decide to pursue compensation with assistance from our experienced Ormond Beach car accident attorneys.
For car accident claims in Florida, an injured person must first use their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP insurance law requires a medical exam no later than 14 days after the accident, and it adds particular legal requirements not everyone knows about.
The state’s required PIP coverage is $10,000, and it will only cover 80 percent of reasonable medical costs, as well as 60 percent of lost wages. In addition, a medical provider must declare that an emergency medical condition (EMC) exists. If an EMC does not exist, you can only use $2,500 worth of PIP benefits. If you have significant or permanent injuries, you must sue or make an insurance claim against the other driver for the excess costs, unless they have more optional coverage.
No-fault laws do not extend to property damage claims for auto repairs and other losses, although optional collision coverage can provide some no-fault recovery. If you do not have enough accident coverage after a car crash in Ormond Beach, a lawyer from our firm can help you file a claim against the other driver’s property damage liability insurance.
An auto insurance adjuster compiles reports and evidence from a car accident, as well as any statements from those involved. Under state law, being partly at fault reduces a survivor’s possible accident claim, and no one can seek compensation if they are more than 50 percent at fault. The insurer will look for any evidence of fault or even non-coverage, which will allow them to pay less or not at all.
An insurance company does not represent anyone but itself. If insurers can find a reason to deny a claim or pay less than the claim is worth, they will do so. When using your PIP insurance, you may have trouble receiving an EMC designation or getting your reasonable medical expenses paid. If you must file against another driver, you will be up against that driver’s insurer.
Our experienced car wreck attorneys in Ormond Beach know what to expect from insurance companies. We can investigate your accident and demand the damages you are entitled to under the law.
Rue & Ziffra has decades of experience serving Volusia County, and our attorneys dedicate themselves to the First Coast communities we serve. Ask one of our clients, and you will see what we can offer you.
If you suffered injuries in a crash, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with an Ormond Beach car accident lawyer. State insurance laws may change in the future, so be sure to work with your local injury attorneys to avoid any confusion.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
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