Highway Accidents: What Florida Residents Need to Know About Seeking Just Compensation

If you were injured in a car accident on the highway, your legal rights depend on the severity of your injuries, among other factors. If any of your injuries qualify as “significant” or “permanent” under Florida law, you may be entitled to full compensation for your injury-related losses. Determining your legal rights starts with seeking a medical diagnosis and hiring a Florida car accident attorney to conduct a thorough investigation.

Accidents on I-4, I-10, I-75, I-95, and other highways across Florida are extremely common. These accidents often happen at high speed, and as a result, they often result in devastating injuries. In all cases, accident victims can—and should—take legal action, and hiring an experienced Florida car accident attorney is the first step in the process.

7 Important Facts About Filing a Claim After a Highway Accident in Florida

Were you injured in a highway accident in Florida? If so, here are seven important facts you should know about your legal rights:

1. It is Critical to Investigate Promptly

Even if Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to the scene of the accident, you still need to hire a Florida car accident attorney to conduct an investigation. It is important to investigate as soon as possible after the accident.

2. It is Also Critical to Get the Medical Care You Need

Along with hiring a lawyer to investigate, you should also prioritize getting the medical care you need. In this scenario, seeing a doctor promptly is important for protecting your health and protecting your ability to file a claim for just compensation.

3. You Should Preserve as Much Documentation as Possible

From any photos or videos you took at the scene of the accident to your medical records and employment records, you should preserve as much documentation as possible. The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to prove your legal rights (though, of course, there are no guarantees).

4. Your Legal Rights Depend on Multiple Factors

After a car accident on the highway, your legal rights depend on multiple factors. In this scenario, some of the key factors that will determine how much you are entitled to recover include:

• The Severity of Your Injuries – The severity of your injuries will determine if you are eligible to file a fault-based claim under Florida’s “no fault” insurance law.
• The Consequences of the Accident – If you have a claim, the financial compensation you are entitled to recover depends on your medical bills, lost earnings, and other relevant financial and non-financial losses.  
• Whether You Were Partially at Fault – If you were partially at fault in the accident, this could limit the amount you are entitled to recover. If you were primarily at fault, you may not be entitled to any financial compensation.

These are just a few examples of numerous important factors. Once you hire a Florida car accident lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to thoroughly assess your legal rights and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

5. You Should Not Settle Until You Know the Value of Your Claim

The costs of a serious highway accident can add up quickly, and, if you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, this could significantly increase the value of your claim. As a result, it is very important that you do not accept an insurance settlement until you have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the damages you are entitled to recover.

6. You Should Not Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Once you know how much you are entitled to recover, you should not settle for less than you deserve. The insurance companies will try to take advantage of your situation, so it will be important to make clear that you are prepared to fight for your legal rights in court if necessary.

7. Hiring a Lawyer to Represent You Costs Nothing Out-of-Pocket

From investigating the cause of the accident to dealing with the insurance companies, all aspects of protecting your legal rights after a highway accident require experienced legal representation. In this scenario, you can hire an attorney at no out-of-pocket cost, and you will only pay legal fees if your case is successful.

FAQs: Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident on a Florida Highway

I was injured in a car accident on a Florida highway—what should I do?

If you were injured in a car accident on a Florida highway, you should have two main priorities: (i) you should seek treatment promptly; and (ii) you should hire an attorney as soon as possible. Both of these steps are important for protecting your legal rights—and the sooner you hire an attorney to represent you, the sooner you can start the process of fighting for the compensation you deserve.

What if I was hit by a commercial driver?

If you were hit by a commercial driver on a Florida highway, the driver’s employer could be liable for your accident-related losses. These cases involve unique legal issues, so it will be important to make sure you choose an attorney who has relevant experience to represent you.

Should I file a claim with my insurance company if I was injured in a highway accident?

You should report the accident to your insurance company, and you can rely on your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in the short-term. However, if you suffered any significant or permanent injuries in the accident, you may have grounds to file a liability claim against the other driver (or a third party) as well. As a result, it will be important for you to talk to an experienced Florida car accident attorney who can help you file all viable claims under the circumstances at hand.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney for Free

If you need more information about your legal rights after a highway accident in Florida, we encourage you to contact us right away. Call 800-780-8607 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney.