Being involved in a fender bender car crash in Florida is an inconvenience, thanks to the state’s no-fault laws. Even in minor accidents, filing a claim is essential. There could be unexpected complications or hidden vehicle damage. You may also have to file against the at-fault driver when your damages exceed your coverage limits. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we offer free legal advice and assistance in securing maximum compensation for fender benders and all other types of car accidents.
What Exactly Is a Fender Bender?
So, what are fender benders? Fender benders are generally defined as low-impact crashes with minimal damage, usually involving the fenders or bumpers of the vehicles. Even though fender benders are often viewed as minor crashes, there could still be injuries and other complications.
What a fender bender accident is good at is hiding back pain and whiplash, along with unforeseen vehicle damage. The force of impact, even at low speeds, can still result in injuries and property damage.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Fender Bender in Florida
Obtaining assistance from a lawyer for a fender bender in Florida may not seem like it is necessary. However, there are several reasons to seek counsel and advice from a lawyer before deciding to manage your claim on your own, including:
- Hidden damages: Minor fender bender damage can sometimes hide more significant damage to your vehicle. The force of impact could crack the engine block and other vehicle systems, which could lead to more significant repair costs.
- Unforeseen injuries: Soft tissue injuries are very common in fender benders, such as whiplash and back injuries. These types of injuries are not always apparent following the crash. It could take several days before you realize you were injured.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters will want to settle your claim quickly and for the least amount possible. If you accept their initial offer, you will not be able to claim future damages later. Having a lawyer ensures your claim is valued correctly, and you receive maximum compensation.
- Determining fault: Even in low-impact collisions, establishing who is at-fault is important when your losses exceed your coverage limits. Additionally, the person at-fault could dispute it, creating further complications with the claim.
- Protecting your rights: Having help from a lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout the claims process and that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company.
- Lost wages and medical bills: Even with fender bender minor car accident injuries, you may need to take time off work and incur medical expenses. Without a lawyer, your insurance adjuster will attempt to downplay the seriousness of your injuries and not offer a settlement to cover all your losses.
Common Injuries Resulting From Fender Benders
Some of the more common injuries that could occur from fender benders are:
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissues include tendons, muscles, and ligaments, which could be strained or sprained and cause restricted movements, swelling, and pain.
- Whiplash: The force of impact from a rear fender bender can cause the head and neck to be jolted back and forth, resulting in whiplash, which results in neck stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. Whiplash can also be accompanied by headaches.
- Back injuries: The force of impact, even at low speeds, can cause the spine to become misaligned, resulting in pinched nerves, muscle spasms, herniated discs, and other back problems.
- Headaches: Headaches can occur post-crash from hitting your head on the steering wheel or from whiplash or a concussion.
- Concussions: If your head hits the steering wheel or dashboard, you could have a concussion. Common symptoms are confusion, dizziness, headaches, and cognitive impairments.
- Neck and shoulder pain: Even if you do not have whiplash, neck and shoulder pain can occur from the force of impact.
- Cuts, lacerations, bruises, and contusions: While minor, they could still result in infections, swelling, and discomfort, if not medically treated.
What To Do Immediately After a Fender Bender in Florida
The steps you take immediately after a fender bender in Florida can have a direct effect on your claim. It is crucial to follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Ensure everyone is safe, and no one is seriously injured. Call 911 if anyone involved requests immediate medical care.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you do not require immediate medical care, you should see a doctor for an evaluation within 14 days of the fender bender car accident to protect your right to file a claim against your PIP insurance.
- Florida law requires all vehicles to be moved, so they do not obstruct traffic after a fender bender, if the vehicle can be moved. If the vehicle cannot be moved safely, wait until the police arrive.
- Florida fender bender law requires all drivers to exchange information, including their name, address, phone number, insurance information, and vehicle information.
- Call the police and report the accident, especially if there are injuries or damages that exceed $500. It is also a good idea to call the police if the other driver is insistent not to call them.
- Gather evidence and document the crash by taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, the position of the vehicles before you move them, and damage to all vehicles.
- Do not admit fault, even if you think you are partially responsible. Admitting fault can hurt your insurance claim. It is better to wait until you have your case reviewed by a car accident lawyer.
Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for a free consultation as soon as possible.
How We Can Help You After a Fender Bender
Our car accident injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company. Some of the many ways we help our clients include:
- Free initial consultation to discuss the accident, your options, and the value of your claim.
- Taking cases on a contingency basis and not collecting any legal fees until your case is settled successfully.
- Thorough investigation of the accident to determine fault.
- Gathering evidence to support your injury claim and presenting it to the insurance companies.
- Filing a claim on your behalf.
- Dealing directly with the insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
- Negotiating for a fair and reasonable settlement to cover all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Providing experienced legal representation at trial if litigation becomes necessary.
- Guiding you through the entire insurance claim and legal process with clear communications and support whenever you need it.
- Distributing your settlement to cover your legal fees, medical bills, and any out-of-pocket deductibles.
Why Choose Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for Your Fender Bender Case?
Our Tampa law firm handles all types of personal injury and accident cases throughout Florida.
Some of the reasons to choose us include:
- Extensive experience in car accident injury claims, including fender benders in Florida.
- Our fender bender attorneys have actual trial and litigation experience.
- Fully committed to our client’s satisfaction.
- Personalized attention throughout your entire case until you have your settlement in hand.
- Established and proven track record of successful case outcomes, settlements, and favorable verdicts for trial cases.
- Complete understanding of all current Florida traffic laws, insurance regulations, and case laws that can benefit your claim and demand for settlement.
- Fully aware of all the tactics insurance companies and adjusters use to limit, reduce, or attempt to deny your claim.
- Regular communications and updates throughout your case.
- We will provide our advice when a settlement offer is made and never accept a settlement without your approval.
- Compassionate, caring, and dedicated legal team available whenever you need us.
For immediate assistance with your Florida fender bender claim:
FAQs
Do You Need to Call the Police After a Fender Bender in Florida?
You must call the police when property damages exceed $500 or if anyone has been injured. Even for minor fender benders, you should still call the police, as it can be helpful when filing your insurance claim or if you discover you are injured later.
How Long Do You Have To File a Claim After a Fender Bender in Florida?
You have 14 days to obtain medical treatment to qualify for your PIP benefits. You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit when your losses exceed your coverage limits.
Will Your Insurance Rates Go Up If You’re Involved in a Fender Bender?
It depends on the extent of damage and injuries. Generally, for minor fender benders with no injuries, your rates may not increase unless you have excessive accident claims.
The Other Driver Is Saying the Fender Bender Was Your Fault, Even Though You Don’t Think It Was. What Should You Do?
The first thing to do is not to admit fault, even if they are pressuring you. Next, schedule a free consultation with a fender bender lawyer as soon as possible.
You Only Have Minor Damage to Your Car. Is It Still Worth Pursuing a Claim?
It is worth pursuing a claim after a minor car accident. There could be hidden damage or injuries that have not yet manifested. Filing a claim protects your right to compensation later.
What Information Should You Gather at the Scene of a Fender Bender?
– Personal and insurance information of the other driver.
– Contact details of any witnesses.
– Pictures and videos of all damages and the accident scene.
– Vehicle information (make, model, year, color, and license plate number).
– Police report number.
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein — a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association, and the Clearwater Bar Association — has protected the rights of individuals injured by a negligent party.
Mr. Bernstein has the expertise to handle various injury cases, including, but not limited to, car accidents, medical malpractice cases, cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury and catastrophic occurrences, and legal malpractice issues.
With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, handles every type of personal injury and accident case throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. Our office has the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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