Auto Accidents Attorneys In Tallahassee, FL

Florida relies on a no-fault automobile insurance system, which means that if you’re injured, you must first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for reimbursement. By law, each driver must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. Typically, PIP will pay 80 percent of your medical expenses and 60 percent of any lost wages you suffer due to time off from work, up to the limit you purchase.

Your PIP rider covers you when you’re a passenger in another vehicle as well. It also covers all members of your household, and will cover passengers in your vehicle if they don’t have their own PIP policies.

Additionally, you are required to purchase at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. PDL will reimburse you for any damages you suffer or you cause to other people’s property, up to the limit of the face value of the coverage you purchase.

Once you step outside of the no-fault insurance boundaries, then you must jump certain legal hurdles if you file a lawsuit. First, you’re going to have to show that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Under Florida law, every driver has what is called a “duty of care” to respect the rights and privileges of other drivers on the road – in other words, not to cause harm in any way.

If something the other driver did – crossed lanes without signaling, drove too closely, was distracted on a cell phone, or simply drove too fast – contributed to your accident and resulting injuries, that can be used to show negligence.

To prove the negligence of the other driver in court, you need to have solid documentation from the scene of the accident. When there are injuries in a car accident, Florida law requires that you report it to the police. The police may or may not come to the scene, but if they do, they will conduct an investigation and file a report. It’s in your best interest, if possible, to get a copy of that report.

While on the scene, you should use your cell phone to capture as many images as possible, including of the vehicles involved, any road hazards that may have been present, and even roadway signs that indicate driving cautions or restrictions.

It’s important to record or write down the details of everything that happened as soon as you get a chance. If there are witnesses, try to get their statements and contact information. All of this compiled information will prove useful in court.