You’re driving home from work, and out of nowhere, boom! Someone slams into your car. Now what? Auto accidents in South Florida happen every day, and most people have no clue what steps come next. Do you need to report it right away? How will you know who’s actually at fault?
Florida crash law can be confusing, especially with things like no-fault rules and Florida PIP coverage thrown in. And if you’re thinking of filing an auto claim, there’s a lot that can affect how much compensation you get.
In this blog, we’ll break down how fault is determined, how no-fault insurance works, what kinds of coverage you should know about, and other important details. It’s not just about money, it’s about knowing your rights and options.
At 1-800-ASK-GARY®, our mission is to help you overcome auto accidents in South Florida. How? By matching you with the right doctor or car accident attorney. Read further to learn why you should call us when vehicular crashes happen.
Crashed in South Florida? Know What the Law Says About Reporting an Accident
When auto accidents in South Florida happen, most people freeze or guess what comes next. Remember, guessing can jeopardize your legal rights fast. Florida has strict laws regarding filing a car accident report. They’re not just suggestions. Skip a step and you could lose out on your auto accident legal support later.
- If someone gets hurt or dies, or if the damage is over $500, you must call law enforcement immediately.
- No police at the scene? You have 10 days to file a Driver Report of Traffic Crash.
- You are legally required to exchange names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, vehicle registration, and insurance info at the scene.
Understanding the laws in South Florida for filing a car crash report can make a big difference. By properly reporting the incident, you’ll have better legal help after a crash.
Who’s Really at Fault? Here’s How Florida Sees It
Figuring out the drivers causing auto accidents in South Florida isn’t always simple. Police reports help, but they don’t decide everything. Insurance companies use statements, photos, traffic laws, and facts from the scene. That’s where motor vehicle accident law kicks in. In South Florida, they rely on comparative negligence to determine who’s at fault.
Using this legal doctrine, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you’ll get nothing. That’s part of the updated rule under comparative negligence Florida law. Meanwhile, if your fault is less than 50%, then you can still get compensation. However, the amount you receive will be based on your fault percentage. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you lose 30% of your payout.
Knowing how South Florida determines fault can help you fight for fair compensation and protect your legal rights. Remember, you should never guess. What you must do is learn Florida accident law so you can get proper car crash legal advice.
What You Need to Know About Florida’s PIP Rule
Aside from reporting and other laws, you also need to understand the insurance laws. To deal with auto accidents in South Florida, the state requires every driver to get Florida PIP coverage. This is part of no fault insurance Florida law. It means your own insurance pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to the accident, no matter who’s at fault.
PIP stands for personal injury protection. It usually covers up to $10,000. It pays 80% of your medical costs and 60% of your lost wages. It doesn’t matter who caused the crash. That’s why they call it “no fault.”
But PIP will not pay for everything. If your injuries are serious enough, like permanent damage or major disfigurement, you can go after the other driver for full car accident compensation. Learning how PIP works can help you strengthen your claim after an auto injury.
Don’t Just Settle for the Bare Minimum, Know Your Coverage
Florida auto accident laws only require PIP coverage. But, there are also other types of insurance coverage that can help you overcome auto accidents in South Florida. Here’s what you should consider:
- Liability Coverage: pays for injuries or damage you cause to someone else
- Collision Coverage: covers damage to your own car from a crash, even if you’re at fault
- Comprehensive Coverage: handles non-crash issues like theft, fire, or storms
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: helps when the other driver has little or no insurance
Adding another coverage aside from PIP can support you when filing auto accident claims. Doing this will also give you better options for car accident legal help.
Deadlines Matter: Miss One and Your Case Is Done
Auto accidents in South Florida also have deadlines. And you should never ignore them. The clock starts ticking the moment a car accident happens. If you wait too long, your injury claim could be tossed out before it even starts. That’s why knowing the rules under Florida car accident claims law is a must. Here is the statute of limitations in South Florida for car accidents:
- Injury claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of the crash.
- Property damage claims give you 4 years to take legal action.
- Claims against government agencies follow different rules. You may need to send a notice first and act faster.
Time runs out fast when you’re dealing with pain, repairs, and the injury settlement process. This is why every solid legal guide for car accidents will tell you; don’t wait around. Move early. Lock in your right to file while you still can.
Got Hit? Here’s What You Can Do About It Legally
There are many traffic accident legal options you can pursue when auto accidents in South Florida happen. Knowing them can help you make the right decisions.
Here’s what you can do after a car crash:
- Settle out of court – Try talking with insurers. Negotiate or go through mediation for faster resolution.
- File a lawsuit – If negotiations fail, consider filing a case that can push for proper compensation.
- Work with a personal injury lawyer – Legal experts will handle paperwork, pressure, and deadlines.
- Hire a car accident attorney Florida locals trust – Choosing an attorney or lawyer trusted by South Floridians helps in building a stronger case with a clear legal strategy.
- Consult under South Florida injury law – Laws here can be complicated, so don’t try to figure it out alone.
Working with an injury lawyer means you don’t have to guess what’s next. You get real support and real answers. They are on your side from day one.
ASK GARY® Helps You Handle the Aftermath Fast
Don’t know how to handle auto accidents in South Florida? That’s where 1-800-ASK-GARY® comes in. As a free accident helpline, we’re available 24/7 — always ready to connect you with real doctors and trusted legal professionals who understand what you’re dealing with. You don’t pay us anything. There’s no pressure and no catch.
First, we’ll help you match with licensed doctors who specialize in treating auto accident injuries, such as whiplash, joint dislocations, and back pain. Once you’re safe, our team will start finding the right South Florida lawyer who can protect your legal rights and maximize compensation.
We have been doing this for over 25 years now, helping more than 350,000 auto accident victims receive the legal and medical assistance they deserve. Don’t try to figure this out alone. Call ASK GARY® today. We’re here every hour of every day, because accidents don’t wait.