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Do You Need PIP Insurance if You Have Health Insurance?

If you live in a state where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is mandatory, you might wonder, “Do I need PIP coverage if I already have health insurance in Florida?”

In Florida, every motorist is required to purchase PIP coverage. For this reason, it might make sense to get PIP coverage even if you already have health insurance in Florida. In states where PIP coverage is mandatory, a victim of a car accident in Boca Raton must file a claim for Personal Injury Protection coverage first and then use their health insurance.

Thus, your health insurance coverage kicks in once you have exhausted your PIP coverage in Florida.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) vs. Health Insurance in Florida

In Florida, every driver of a motor vehicle is required to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. There are many benefits of getting compensated through PIP coverage as opposed to health insurance.

When seeking coverage through PIP insurance, you can avoid some of the pitfalls of getting compensated through health insurance. The most common drawback of using health insurance following an auto accident is that you will need to wait a while for your policy payout.

Also, with PIP coverage, you are not required to prove the other party’s fault in order to obtain coverage. Instead, all you need is to visit your doctor and simply provide your PIP claim number to the doctor’s office.

Typically, PIP insurance covers about 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages related to your injury. Health insurance, meanwhile, does not cover the loss of income, not to mention that regular health insurance requires you to pay a deductible before the benefits kick in.

PIP insurance typically has no deductible or requires the policyholder to pay only $500 or more for the coverage to apply. Additionally, PIP coverage can be used by any injured passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle unless the passenger has their own policy.

Seeking Coverage Through PIP and Health Insurance

If you have both PIP and health insurance in Florida, you will have to make a claim for medical bills or lost wages against your PIP policy first. When your PIP coverage is exhausted, your healthcare provider will bill your health insurance (however, this requires your doctor to be part of your network of participating providers).

PIP insurance requires you to visit a medical professional within 14 days of your injury. This requirement can be tricky, especially if you did not seek medical attention right away. Often, people feel fine following a car crash even if they were injured. Some car accident injuries can take days or weeks to manifest themselves.

For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after your car crash, even if you think that you feel fine. Seeing a doctor right away will not only help you recover faster but is also vital in order to be eligible to file a claim against your PIP policy within 14 days after the accident.

Contact our personal injury lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP, to discuss how you can seek coverage for your car accident injuries in Florida. Call at 561-995-1966 to receive a consultation.

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By : Clarissa Romero

July 14, 2020

Causes of Car Accidents

There are numerous contributing factors in car accidents in Boca Raton, but typically the reckless actions of other drivers are ultimately to blame.

With the amount of motorists and traffic going in and out of our area, car accidents in Boca Raton happen on a regular basis. Injuries suffered by people involved in these collisions have the potential to be severe. While there are numerous factors that may have played a role in your crash, car accident investigations aim at determining the underlying causes and who is ultimately to blame.

How Car Accidents Occur in Boca Raton

According to the latest statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) , roughly 27,000 car accidents occur in Boca Raton and the surrounding Palm Beach County area each year. These accidents claim the lives of nearly 200 victims and leave nearly 17,000 drivers and their passengers suffering serious and potentially debilitating personal injuries.

In analyzing reports of car accidents in our area, you can get a better picture of how these crashes occur. Collisions are more common at nights, weekends, during the summer months, and over holidays, which is when the largest numbers of people are on the road. Driving and weather conditions often play a role in these crashes, as well. Factors that make car accidents more likely to happen include:

  • Rainy, wet road conditions;
  • Sections of roads and highways under construction;
  • Areas without narrow roads and a lack of traffic signals;
  • Areas where roads are poorly maintained, making cars more likely to skid on gravel or to lose control after striking potholes.

If you were injured in a crash caused by dangerous road conditions, our roadway accident lawyers can help you recover compensation. We can help you prove the cause of the crash and identify the liable party.

Reckless Driving Behaviors Responsible for Car Accidents

While all of the above are common factors that make car accidents more likely to occur, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that it is ultimately the risky and reckless driving behaviors of motorists that are ultimately to blame. Regardless of road, weather, or traffic conditions, at-fault motorists can be held legally liable for the following actions, which increase car accident risks:

  • Speeding and going too fast for conditions, which is one of the most common causes of car accidents and increases the severity of injuries;
  • Running red lights and disregarding other traffic signals, which is common both among tourist and locals in Palm Beach County;
  • Distracted driving, which includes talking on cell phones, sending texts, or changing GPS settings, as well as eating or drinking while driving or even talking to passengers in the vehicle;
  • Aggressive driving, such as tailgating, improper passing, and failure to yield;
  • Driving under the influence, which can include alcohol, drugs, or prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Our Boca Raton Car Accident Attorneys are Here to Help You

When car accidents leave you or someone you love suffering serious injuries, Ged Lawyers, LLP uncovers the underlying causes so that you can get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. To discuss your case, call 561-995-1966 or contact our Boca Raton car accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

June 29, 2020

Are You Liable for an Accident That Happens While Hydroplaning?

At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our attorneys protect your rights when accidents and injuries occur, helping to ensure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim.

Unexpected accidents and catastrophic events can wreck major havoc in your life. In addition to jeopardizing your health, they can result in heavy financial losses and ongoing debts. In cases where another person is at fault or an insurance company is involved, you may be entitled to compensation. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we provide aggressive legal representation for people who suffer personal injuries and those filing claims over hurricanes, sinkholes, or other types of natural disasters. The following details the important role our attorneys play in handling your case.

Determining Who is Liable in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Florida and throughout the United States. Among the most common causes include motor vehicle collisions, accidents involving bicyclists, and pedestrians, slips and falls, getting struck by or against injuries, and sports or recreational accidents.

The role of a personal injury attorney is to protect your rights to compensation in these types of cases. We determine who is responsible so they can be held accountable in a claim. Ways we do this include:

  • Conducting our own thorough investigation into your case;
  • Obtaining police or incident reports;
  • Obtaining statements from witnesses;
  • Gathering other types of evidence, such as nearby surveillance camera footage;
  • Consulting with accident reconstruction experts.

In cases involving natural disasters or other catastrophic events, we review the situation and any insurance policies that may be in place to determine whether a claim can be filed. If insurance is not available or a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we can take the actions needed to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Representing You in Legal Proceedings

As experienced Boca Raton civil trial attorneys, we guide you through the often complex process of filing a lawsuit. Under the Florida Statutes, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damages, or other losses you suffer. Our role is to resolve your case in the most efficient way possible while ensuring you get the a

You can be held liable for injuries due to car accidents in Boca Raton caused by hydroplaning on wet roads.

The tropical climate in Boca Raton means that we get a high amount of rainfall, particularly over summer and once hurricane season begins. Daily rain showers and occasionally heavy downpours are something that residents eventually get used to. However, these conditions can still create havoc on the roads. Wet, slippery pavement makes hydroplaning more likely and increases the risk of car accidents in Boca Raton. Drivers can be held liable for damages that occur as a result.

What Causes Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning refers to when a vehicle begins skidding or sliding due to wet road conditions. According to the driver education website SafeMotorist.com, hydroplaning occurs as a result of loss of traction. Tires are designed to cut through water on the road and grip the pavement underneath. When your tires encounter more than they are capable of scattering, water pressure at the front of the wheel can cause the tire to separate from the road surface.

In addition to skidding, hydroplaning can have other major impacts on your ability to control your vehicle. Important functions hydroplaning is likely to affect include:

  • Steering: This makes it harder to navigate turns or curves in the road;
  • Braking: Diminished braking ability makes it harder to stop or slow your vehicle;
  • Power control: Hydroplaning can result in sudden acceleration and makes it harder to respond to unexpected changes in traffic or road conditions.

Whenever you experience even minor losses of control in your vehicle, it makes car accidents more likely to happen. Rear-end accidents, side impact or T-bone crashes, and head on collisions are all common as a result of hydroplaning. These can leave you and other drivers on the road suffering serious injuries.

How Driving Behaviors Increase the Odds of Hydroplaning

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 20% of the estimated six million car accidents that occur in the United States each year are a result of adverse weather conditions. Of these, rain and wet roads are among the most dangerous and account for nearly 70% of these crashes and collisions.

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By : Clarissa Romero

May 20, 2020

What Role Does Your Lawyer Play in a Lawsuit?

At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our attorneys protect your rights when accidents and injuries occur, helping to ensure you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim.

Unexpected accidents and catastrophic events can wreck major havoc in your life. In addition to jeopardizing your health, they can result in heavy financial losses and ongoing debts. In cases where another person is at fault or an insurance company is involved, you may be entitled to compensation. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we provide aggressive legal representation for people who suffer personal injuries and those filing claims over hurricanes, sinkholes, or other types of natural disasters. The following details the important role our attorneys play in handling your case.

Determining Who is Liable in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Florida and throughout the United States. Among the most common causes include motor vehicle collisions, accidents involving bicyclists, and pedestrians, slips and falls, getting struck by or against injuries, and sports or recreational accidents.

The role of a personal injury attorney is to protect your rights to compensation in these types of cases. We determine who is responsible so they can be held accountable in a claim. Ways we do this include:

  • Conducting our own thorough investigation into your case;
  • Obtaining police or incident reports;
  • Obtaining statements from witnesses;
  • Gathering other types of evidence, such as nearby surveillance camera footage;
  • Consulting with accident reconstruction experts.

In cases involving natural disasters or other catastrophic events, we review the situation and any insurance policies that may be in place to determine whether a claim can be filed. If insurance is not available or a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we can take the actions needed to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Representing You in Legal Proceedings

As experienced Boca Raton civil trial attorneys, we guide you through the often complex process of filing a lawsuit. Under the Florida Statutes, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damages, or other losses you suffer. Our role is to resolve your case in the most efficient way possible while ensuring you get the maximum amount you are entitled to in any settlements or judgements issued. Legal actions we take on your behalf include:

  • Drafting and filing the appropriate legal documents to initiate your lawsuit;
  • Going through the process of discovery, which involves obtaining any information or evidence the other party may have in your case;
  • Subpoenaing experts and eyewitnesses to testify on your behalf;
  • Attending pre-trial conferences in an effort to settle your case out of court;
  • Arguing your case in front of a judge or jury if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached;
  • Guiding you in enforcement efforts to ensure the amount you are owed is paid.

Consult with Our Boca Raton Trial Attorneys

Ged Lawyers, LLP, provides trusted, professional legal representation you can count on when filing a lawsuit. To schedule a consultation, contact our Boca Raton trial attorneys today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

May 5, 2020

Can COVID-19 Impact My Personal Injury Claim?

If you suffer injuries or have filed a personal injury claim, it is important to be aware of how changes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) could impact your case.

The coronavirus epidemic has brought about major disruptions for residents of Boca Raton and throughout Florida. Schools, businesses, and government agency closures have all changed how we conduct our affairs. This also applies to people involved in accidents who are seeking compensation through personal injury claims. Whether you have recently been involved in an accident or have a personal injury lawsuit pending, the following details ways the current situation is likely to impact your case.

Documenting Personal Injuries in FL

According to the Department of Health, Palm Beach County has over 1800 coronavirus cases as of April 16th and that number is changing every day. These numbers are expected to spike in the days and weeks to come, overwhelming health care workers and depleting resources. As a result, getting care for personal injuries and documenting your treatments could prove challenging.

Medical records and statements from your doctor are important in determining both the severity of damages you suffer currently and how your injuries are likely to impact you in the years to come. Attending frequent follow-up appointments and obtaining certain types of tests is likely to be challenging now and could put you at risk of contracting COVID-19. To protect yourself and your rights in a claim, follow your doctor’s instructions while keeping a daily journal detailing your symptoms and the effects your injuries have on your life.

Court Closures and Delays

One of the biggest ways COVID-19 is likely to impact your personal injury claim is through court closures. The Palm Beach County Civil Courts are closed for all in-person visits and non-essential services. While our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys may be able to file all the necessary documents in your case online, you can expect hearings to be delayed. During this time, we can still be working on your case. This includes conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and aggressively negotiating with opposing parties via telephone and online.

The statutes of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is two years, which should allow plenty of time for your case to be resolved even with these delays. In the event you already had a personal injury lawsuit filed, any deadlines that might apply would be extended.

Enforcing Settlements

Settlements in personal injury lawsuits can easily total hundreds of thousands of dollars. With so many people unemployed and business closures throughout the area, COVID-19 could result in delays in obtaining your judgment.

In these types of cases, we can take the enforcement actions needed to ensure the at-fault party pays. This includes wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, and liens on any real estate or other property they possess.

Get Our Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys on Your Side

Despite the coronavirus, Ged Lawyers, LLP remains a strong legal advocate on your side. We can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve in your claim. To discuss your case, call or contact our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys online today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

April 15, 2020

What to do if Injured During Quarantine

To protect yourself amidst the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to be aware of what to do if personal injuries occur.

Boca Raton residents are under lockdown in an effort to reduce community spread of the coronavirus. During the pandemic, people are still out either working essential jobs or making supply runs to local stores. The stress we are under and the distraction of worrying about loved ones makes accidents resulting in potentially serious personal injuries more likely to happen. The following details how to handle these incidents in a way that protects both your health and your rights to compensation in a claim.

Accidental Injuries That are More Likely to Happen During the Coronavirus Pandemic

On March 26, 2020, the City of Boca Raton issued an emergency order in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Following state guidelines, the Stay Home, Stay Safe plan aims at ‘flattening the curve’ by reducing the overall numbers of cases in our area.

While there is a dramatic decrease in the number of people on the road and out in public places, the stress and worry most feel over the situation makes accidental injuries more likely to happen. Common places these are likely to occur and the causes include:

  • Local roads and highways: The situation is likely to make drivers more distracted and aggressive on the road.
  • Areas near hospitals: Stressed and sleep deprived doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff are more likely to make dangerous mistakes;
  • Parking lots: Motorists, bicylists, and pedestrians face increased risks due to crowds and people eager to get in or out of spaces;
  • Grocery stores: Aggressive behavior on the part of customers and wet floors, cluttered aisles, and improperly stocked shelves due to a lack of workers can make slips, falls, and other types of accidents more likely to happen.

Steps to Take in the Event of Personal Injuries

In the event of any type of accident, it is important to notify law enforcement or onsite security immediately so that an accident report is filed. In addition to documenting the incident, this provides important evidence when filing a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, the demands of the pandemic mean that you may have to wait longer for help. During this time, be mindful of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding social distancing and take the following precautions:

  • Avoid getting within six feet of anyone.
  • When obtaining information about others involved, avoid handling their identification cards and take a cell phone picture instead.
  • Use your own pen or your cell phone to jot down information about the accident and witnesses at the scene.
  • In light of the pandemic, you may be reluctant to go to local hospitals. Follow your doctor’s advice on the best course of treatment for your injuries.

Our Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys are Here to Help

During this difficult time, Ged Lawyers, LLP remains on the job and ready to help when accidents occur. Call or contact our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys online to discuss your case today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

April 1, 2020

After an Auto Accident, is it Okay to Approach a Witness?

Witnesses in auto accident claims can provide valuable testimony in your case. Ged Lawyers, LLP explains how to approach them and the type of information required.

When an auto accident happens due to the reckless actions of other motorists involved, you have the right to file a claim for any personal injuries or property damages you suffered as a result. Proving the other driver was at fault is key to getting the compensation you deserve. Witness statements can play a valuable role in this process.

Obtaining Information Regarding Auto Accident Witnesses

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the actions you take can have a major impact on your claim. The Florida Statutes requires drivers to take financial responsibility for crashes and collisions in which they are to blame. In addition to reporting the accident and obtaining medical attention for your injuries, getting the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene plays an important role in protecting your rights to compensation.

If possible, look around the accident scene for anyone who may have witnessed what happened. While the police will likely get some information from them, protect yourself by jotting down a few details as well. This includes:

  • Their full name;
  • Their address and phone number;
  • Their exact location at the time of the accident;
  • A summary of what they saw or heard when it happened;
  • Any additional details they may have noticed in the aftermath.

The above information is vitally important, but the severity of your injuries or other circumstances may prevent you from obtaining it yourself. You can have someone else approach witnesses at the scene on your behalf. If witnesses prove reluctant or uncooperative, obtain whatever information you can and our Boca Raton auto accident attorneys can handle the rest.

Questioning Auto Accident Witnesses

In the weeks following your auto accident, it is important to consult our experienced roadway accident lawyers in Florida. Witness statements are important in your case, but you want to be sure and ask the right questions, without putting words into their mouths or allowing for any bias.

You also need to ensure any statements given are admissible in legal proceedings. Rather than approaching them yourself, our legal team can take action in obtaining their statements. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

  • Conducting interrogatories, which are a list of questions the witness must answer;
  • Obtaining a deposition, which involves sworn statements given before a court reporter;
  • Issuing a subpoena requiring them to appear and testify before the Palm Beach County Court.

Witness testimony may contradict your version of events or otherwise jeopardize your claim. In this case, we can provide evidence to invalidate their testimony and make legal arguments to have it dismissed.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorneys

You have only one chance to get the compensation you are entitled to after an auto accident. To ensure you get the maximum amount you need to recover, get Ged Lawyers, LLP. on your side. To schedule a consultation, contact our Boca Raton auto accident attorneys today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

March 1, 2020

Ever Hear of the Florida Impact Rule?

Ged Lawyers, LLP explains Florida’s impact rule, which impacts your rights to compensation for pain and suffering in your personal injury claim.

Motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, and other types of mishaps can leave you suffering serious personal injuries. When another person’s reckless and negligent actions are to blame, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses in a personal injury lawsuit. This includes medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you endured. However, there are special rules that apply in determining whether this type of compensation is warranted. Our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys outline how this could impact your case.

What is Florida’s Impact Rule and How Does it Apply to My Personal Injury Claim?

When you are involved in an accident for which another person is to blame, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Under Florida’s negligence laws, there are two basic types of compensation available, which are referred to as damages:

  • Special damages: These cover the tangible costs associated with your accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. This also includes any future treatments or losses in earnings you are likely to suffer as a result of ongoing disabilities.
  • General damages: These cover your intangible losses. They include compensation for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress you endured as a result of your accident or injuries, as well as any loss of enjoyment in life you experience as a result.

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, the total amount of special damages you are seeking is listed in the petition filed with the court. General damages are not specified and will be determined by the judge in your case. These are subject to the impact rule. It requires claimants to have suffered some type of physical injury in order to claim emotional distress. It also requires evidence, such as your testimony and statements from your doctor or therapist, before general damages are awarded in your case.

Pain and Suffering Caused by Personal Injuries

Being involved in a car crash or other type of accident is a frightening and stressful experience. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that it is common for victims to suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress in the aftermath. These may include:

  • Intrusive thoughts about the accident, which interrupt your ability to focus on work or other tasks at hand;
  • Nightmares and general trouble sleeping;
  • Generalized anxiety and episodes involving panic attacks;
  • Increased phobias that can cause you to become more isolated and withdrawn from your usual activities.

You deserve to be compensated for your suffering. To ensure you meet the standards set by Florida’s impact rule, carefully document your symptoms and seek treatment through a trusted medical provider.

Our Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorneys are Here to Help

When personal injuries happen, Ged Lawyers, LLP. acts as a strong legal advocate on your side. For help in getting the compensation you need to recover, contact our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys and request a consultation today.

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By : Clarissa Romero

February 28, 2020

How Vehicle Ejections Happen

Being ejected from a vehicle during a car accident is a scary thing, and it happens more often than people think.

Any car accident in Boca Raton can cause serious injuries, but some of the most catastrophic are likely to result from vehicle ejections. The injuries that result from a person being thrown from a vehicle can include head injuries, amputations, and even death. These injuries typically remain with an accident victim for the rest of his or her life and are very expensive to treat. Accident victims can claim damages for these traumatic injuries, but the process is complex. A Florida personal injury attorney can help expedite the process and get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Vehicle Ejections

In most cases when a person is ejected from a vehicle, it is due to the negligent actions of another person. The negligent party may be another driver or a manufacturing company that produced a defective product. The most common causes of vehicle ejections include:

  • Defective car door latches: When a latch on a car door does not adequately lock, it can open at any time. This can cause a person sitting inside the vehicle to be ejected from the vehicle at any time, and it is especially likely in the event of an accident with another vehicle.
  • Excessive speed: Speeding does not only cause many accidents in Boca Raton, it also increases their severity. When a car is hit by another vehicle with great force, a number of things can occur that cause someone to be ejected from the vehicle.
  • Windows that are easily broken: Car windows must be strong and sturdy. When they are not, they can break easily and cause a person to be thrown through them in the event of an accident, or even something as small as a rock hitting the window.
  • Defective seat belts: In some cases, a window may break or a door may open, but because a person inside the car is wearing a seat belt, he or she remains safe. When seat belts are defective, they do not provide adequate protection and so, a person can easily be thrown from a car.
  • Defective car seats: Both car seats meant for babies and children as well as the seats of the car meant for adults can be defective. When this is the case, a person is not secured in the car and faces the risk of being thrown from the car.

These common causes of vehicle ejections can cause anyone to be thrown from a car during any type of accident.

Common Injuries After a Vehicle Ejection

There are many different types of injuries a person may face after being ejected from a vehicle. The most common of these include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back and spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Severe lacerations
  • Organ damage
  • Multiple broken bones
  • Limbs that are crushed or amputated at the scene
  • Internal bleeding

When accident victims suffer from these injuries, it is important they understand that there is help available. A personal injury attorney can help anyone claim the compensation they need to recover as best as possible.

Injured from a Vehicle Ejection? Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

No one should ever have to suffer from the serious injuries that result from vehicle ejection caused by another person’s negligence. If you have experienced this and are now trying to recover from a serious injury, call our experienced Boca Raton personal injury lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP. Our qualified lawyers will work hard to prove someone else was liable for the accident that caused your injuries, and we will build a strong case to give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us today at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to schedule your free case review.

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By : Clarissa Romero

February 20, 2020

The Importance of Police Reports in an Accident

Many people wonder if they should file a police report after an accident, and the answer is always yes.

It is essential to file a police report after any accident. A police report can provide an objective account of how the accident occurred and which party was negligent in causing the crash. This is not the only reason to file a report. In some cases, Florida law also requires that a police report is filed after a crash, and insurance companies often require an official report, as well. All of these are reasons to obtain a police report are discussed in depth below. If you have any trouble obtaining a police report after an accident, a Florida personal injury lawyer can help.

It is the Law to Report an Accident in Florida

Individuals involved in a car accident are not always required to file a police report afterward. Under Florida law, however, there are certain instances in which individuals must report a car accident.

In Florida, any time a car accident results in injury or death, it must be reported to police. Additionally, any time an accident results in property damage that is greater than $500, it also must be reported to the police, even if the crash did not result in injuries or death.

There are certain instances in which property damage is difficult to assess at the scene. When this is the case, it is always better to err on the side of caution and file a police report. There are other reasons a police report is beneficial, as well.

A Police Report is an Impartial Account

After a Boca Raton car accident, each side often tries to blame the other. Even when one driver was clearly negligent and caused the crash, he or she will still try to shift blame to the accident victim.

A police report makes it easier for accident victims to refute these claims and prove that another driver was liable for the crash. Police reports include a lot of important information including the location, date, and time of the crash, witness statements, and the damages and injuries sustained by vehicles and individuals involved. All of this information can help prove that another driver was to blame, so you can claim the compensation you need for your injuries.

The Insurance Company May Require it

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means accident victims must typically seek compensation through their own insurance company before pursuing further damages. Although police reports are generally considered to be inadmissible in court because they are labeled as hearsay, insurance companies still sometimes require them before they will provide a settlement. Additionally, if your insurance policy does not provide enough compensation and you need to file a claim against the other driver, a police report can also help prove your case to their insurance company.

Hurt in a Crash? Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you have been injured in a car accident, our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers can help. At Ged Lawyers, LLP, we can help you obtain your police report and file a claim with your own insurance company, as well as the other driver’s, if necessary. Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free case review and to learn more about how we can help.

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By : Clarissa Romero

February 17, 2020

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