When you are hurt in an accident in the Sunshine State, it’s not how you were hurt that’s on most people’s minds—the most important thing is whether you can get the compensation you deserve. To make sure you can get the money you need for your injuries, you need to understand a few things about personal injury in Florida.
Here’s one thing you might not have known.
When You Can’t File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
To collect money for your injuries, you usually need to show that the other person or party involved had a duty not to cause your injury but failed to carry out that duty. You also need to show that that failure to protect you is related to your injuries and that you suffered damages as a result. If you can prove these things, you can usually get the compensation you deserve.
There is, however, one big exception to the rule here—injuries sustained in car accidents.
Florida is a no-fault state. What that means is that in a car accident, your own insurance pays for your injuries and damage to your property. It doesn’t matter who was at fault in the accident. Each driver’s own insurance foots the bill. Every driver in Florida is required to carry a personal injury protection (PIP) policy with a minimum coverage of $10,000 per person for this reason.
An Exception to the Exception
Just because Florida is a no-fault state doesn’t mean you can never file a personal injury claim against another driver, though. Your case just has to meet some criteria before you can turn to litigation for the money you need.
The laws that govern personal injury in Florida allow you to file a personal lawsuit against another driver if your injuries are serious. Injuries are considered serious when:
- You lose an important bodily function permanently
- You sustain permanent disfigurement or scarring
- The accident results in death
In such cases, it is critical to speak to a personal injury attorney in Florida. The sooner you talk to someone, the better off you will be. That’s because gathering evidence is crucial, and waiting too long can mean that evidence might not be there anymore.
What a Lawsuit Could Cover
When you suffer personal injury in Florida, you could be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:
- Lost wages from missed work due to medical engagements
- Losses from past, current, and future medical expenses related to the injury
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Other costs that result from your injury
Suffering from a Personal Injury in Florida? Talk to the Experts
If you think that you have a personal injury case, get in touch with us today. The personal injury experts at Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law will work with you to get you the compensation you need.
