What should I do if I am injured in a accident in Florida?

Whether you are injured in an auto accident, a slip or trip and fall, or some other type of premises accident, it is important that you protect yourself.

Seek emergency medical attention (even before calling a lawyer!) Your health is paramount.
Follow up on your medical treatment. If you don't follow prescribed treatment plans, it could hurt your case.
Contact a Florida personal injury lawyer. Even if you don't intend on using a lawyer, you can get helpful information.
Keep a journal of your recovery. Your recovery may have ups and downs, and you will need to remember important details.
Keep track of missed time at work, including any sick time take.

How long do I have to file a claim for my injuries?

Florida has a statute of limitations that applies when filing a claim to recover for any personal injuries you might have suffered in an accident. According to Florida's Title VIII, Chapter 95.11(3), most actions for personal injuries have a Four (4) year statute of limitations. There are some actions that must be brought within two years or even one year as well.

Generally insurance adjusters are in the business of saving their company money. If you are offered a settlement for an injury you suffered that was caused by another or on someone else's property, you should at least consult a personal injury attorney prior to accepting a settlement offer which may bar you from pursuing any further legal action.

Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?

Do I even need a Florida personal injury attorney?

Not every accident requires the use of an attorney and all accident don't necessarily result in filing injury claims. However, it doesn't hurt to consult with an attorney. You need to protect yourself in case injuries manifest later. We offer free accident consultations and we'll help you find the right attorney even if we can't take your case.

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Will it impact personal injury case if I do not immediately seek treatment for my injuries?

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If An Injury Does Not Manifest Until Later, What Are My Options for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

If you have immediately apparent injuries or injuries that manifest later due to your accident, then not seeking immediate medical attention will most likely impact your case negatively.

A common occurrence is when a victim of an accident has seemingly minor injuries and they can feel fine after the accident. Instead of taking the ambulance to the hospital, they get a ride home. Later on, however, the pain manifests. It could be that night, or days later.

Once the adrenaline from the accident wears off and your body starts to feel pain, you might realize you have a claim for damages in Florida. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as pain manifests if you haven't already been treated.

When seeking medical attention, it is important to tell your doctor that you have been injured in an accident and that the accident is listed as a cause of the pain (if it truly is the cause!). Medical providers and insurance companies use specific coding when treating injuries. Further, in court if the accident is not listed as the cause of pain, it could hurt your case.

So if you have sustained a back injury, neck injury, or other type of injury in an accident, it is important that the physician notes that in your medical records.