DON’T LET A MINOR CAR ACCIDENT BECOME A BIG DEAL
A little bump or scuff here and there might not seem like a huge deal at first. If there’s no immediate harm done, what’s the problem? The thing is, a minor car accident can be deceivingly serious.
Issues with your health or the function of your vehicle can occur as a result of the accident. And, that’s when things get tricky. Especially if the interaction between you and the other party wasn’t managed correctly.
We’re going to discuss how to handle a minor car accident in this article, giving you a framework to work with if it should happen to you.
Let’s take a look at what to do.
1. Make Sure You Exchange Information
Your first thought might be to not make a big deal out of anything.
Let’s say that someone lightly tapped your bumper in a parking lot and you can’t see any noticeable damage. You weren’t even in the vehicle, so there’s no bodily harm, and you don’t see the point of exchanging information.
In fact, you’re worried that exchanging information might anger the other party and leave you feeling like you overreacted. These concerns are valid in some cases, but it’s always the best idea to exchange information.
Get the other person’s contact information as well as their insurance information as soon as you can. This way, you have a point of contact and you can still get whatever compensation you deserve if things start to go wrong later.
This is even more important when you’re in the vehicle as the accident occurs. We forget that vehicles are massive, forceful objects that can cause real damage when we’re struck by them. Even if we’re in the safety of the car.
The force of a small accident is significant enough to cause shifts in your spine, for example. If you find that you have back issues following the accident, you’ll need the other individual’s insurance information to help with your medical costs.
2. Contact a Lawyer First If Possible
When you’re sure that some significant damage has been done, or that insurance companies are going to be involved, try to contact your lawyer.
Insurance companies will ask you for a statement as well as other information that determines the sort of options you’ll get as a result of the accident. It’s good to be trusting, but we have to remember that insurance companies have a vested interest in keeping as much money as they can.
A lawyer can help you navigate the insurance company conversation to ensure that you get all of the benefits you’re entitled to. Whether that means getting the best medical care available to you or the highest-value auto reimbursements.
Car accident lawyers are highly trained in the laws and procedures for settlements in your state. That means they know what’s typically offered, what’s possible, and how much you can receive given your particular situation.
It’s also good to have a lawyer on hand in case the other party is refusing to cooperate, or if there’s any dispute about how the accident occurred. The sooner they’re in the loop, the better service they can provide you.
3. Document Whatever You Can
Whether or not it seems like there will be a dispute between you and the other party, it’s smart to document whatever you can about the accident. Take photos and make notes as soon as you possibly can.
This might mean taking a picture of the positioning of your vehicles before one moves out of the road, snapping a shot of the damage to both vehicles, or recording your injuries.
Whatever evidence you can gather will help to ensure that the case pans out in a way that is fair. Don’t discriminate against big or small pieces of evidence; everything says something about the case and can be used to prove different points.
It might not even be that you’re gathering evidence to prove that you didn’t cause the accident. You might just use it to show the insurance company the nature of the situation and prove that you’re entitled to compensation.
It’s one of those situations where it’s absolutely better to be safe than sorry. The consequences of failing to take regular precautions could be really expensive and damaging to your physical wellbeing.
Go See a Doctor Every Time
If you were in the vehicle when it was damaged, go see a doctor. In most cases, your insurance status won’t matter because the insurance of the other individual should cover your visit.
You might not think that you were injured, but it’s really important to have a professional assess you and make the call. As we mentioned before, injuries to the neck and spine are some of the most common results of car accidents. You should also watch out for things like whiplash and concussions.
These are physical damages that don’t always manifest right away. A broken arm or a cut is clear as day, and there’s no question of whether you should go to the doctor. A concussion might feel fine for the first few days and start causing significant damage later.
The sooner you can get in to see a professional, the better the odds that your physical damage won’t progress and cost you more time and money. Those medical bills can be devastating, especially if you didn’t gather the contact information of the other party.
Having a phone number and, hopefully, their insurance information can safeguard you from falling into serious medical debt as a result of a concussion or injury to the spine.
Make a point to go see a doctor and tell them you were in a mild car accident, they’ll know how to proceed.
Were You Involved in A Minor Car Accident?
Dealing with a minor car accident can be a stressful experience. We’re here to help you get through it and get as much compensation as you’re entitled to.
Contact us for more information on car accidents and opportunities for help dealing with them.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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HOW DOES UNEMPLOYMENT IMPACT MY CAR INSURANCE CLAIM?
With the loss of over 400,000 jobs since 2019, Florida’s unemployment rate has swelled to 7.6% this fall. There’s a good chance you or someone you know has been affected by unemployment. As these numbers grow, more and more people are struggling to keep up with payments.
To cut down on costs, many people may decide to scale back on car insurance, which could have disastrous consequences for drivers. If you’re unemployed and have recently been in a car accident, you’ll feel the impact long after you leave the scene.
There is no ‘unemployed car insurance’ that can save you, but there are ways to save you money.
Are you ready to protect your property during this difficult time? Read on to learn more about car insurance options for unemployed Floridians. You’ll want to prepare for even the most unexpected road events.
Finding Cheap Unemployed Car Insurance
If you’re afraid of unemployment affecting your car insurance claim, you can breathe a little easier. There is no direct connection between unemployment and insurance rates. But this also means there’s no full-proof insurance designed for unemployment.
Thankfully, there are a few strategies you can use to save loads of cash on your car insurance.
Take Advantage of Telematics
Telematics determines your insurance policy based on driving behavior rather than demographics. As a result, it’s more commonly known as usage-based insurance.
This method may involve a phone app tracking your driving movements over a period of time. While sacrificing some privacy, you’ll receive a more personalized and accurate insurance plan.
Sick of insurance companies judging your age or past record? Telematics can give you a fresh start with your insurance policy.
Bundle Your Costs
Another easy way to save is by combining your home and auto policy. This way, you only have to worry about one plan with one company as opposed to multiple plans.
It may not seem like much at first, but you’ll be thanking yourself when you have enough left over to file a car accident insurance claim. And there’s no harm in storing away some extra cash, especially during these difficult times.
Unemployment Still Matters
Although unemployment may not have a visible impact on your car insurance, it can influence your insurance policy in ways you may not be aware of.
Make sure you know the factors that insurance companies look at when deciding on your policy. There’s more to the system than meets the eye.
Track Your Credit Score
Believe it or not, your credit score plays a role in your insurance policy, which is a game-changer. Although some states are working to remove this factor, many still use your credit score as a legitimate way to create your policy.
If you’re falling behind on payments, your insurance rate could go up as well. It doesn’t matter whether you forget or are unemployed in the middle of a pandemic and can’t pay the bills. Insurance companies will rake in money without a second thought.
So make sure you know your credit score the next time you go out on the road. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing hefty unemployed car insurance rates.
Beware the Ripple Effect
If people decide to save money by driving uninsured, everyone will pay the price.
Others will have to spend money on uninsured motorist coverage in case they get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Knowing the higher chances of uninsured accidents, insurance companies will hike up prices to cover more costs.
The cycle never ends. So if you’re considering a car accident insurance claim settlement, you better make sure the parties involved are insured. There’s no point suing someone if they have no money to give you.
Talking to Your Insurance Post-Accident
If you do get into an automobile accident, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to file a claim. But be careful. Talking to an insurance company is not the same thing as talking to a trusted friend.
Here’s what you need to consider before reaching out to your insurance company.
Watch What You Say
To avoid taking the fall and losing out on savings, you need to avoid certain phrases. Saying “I’m sorry” may imply the accident was your fault, which disqualifies you from coverage.
“I’m fine” is also a phrase that can lose you major money. If an insurance company has proof that you weren’t hurt, then it can withhold bodily injury coverage.
Provide Proof
In addition to saying the right thing, you also need to take appropriate action. As soon as possible, file a police report and visit a hospital to address any injuries.
Your insurance company will try to avoid expenses, so you need plenty of proof to document the incident and its after-effects.
Remember, your insurance company is not your friend. If you want help managing the process, then it’s time you consider hiring personal injury lawyers.
Benefits of an Accident Attorney
Navigating the world of insurance and post-accident procedures is a daunting task for anyone to undertake. That’s why you need a dependable team of personal injury attorneys to guide you through the process.
Attorneys know the law and can manage interactions with your insurance company for you. They will inform you of the next steps you need to take, so you don’t waste time doing research and trying to figure things out on your own.
Although attorneys do cost money, they can also win you more compensation than if you tried to defend yourself. Pick a personal injury Florida attorney you can trust, and you can feel confident having someone in your corner fighting for you.
Restore Your Sense of Security
It’s a scary time to be driving around while unemployed. While you can find something close to unemployed car insurance, this may not be enough to protect you from a car accident. And if you or the other driver isn’t insured, then you’re out of luck.
Rather than go through a difficult situation alone, you need a team of personal injury attorneys that you can rely on.
Are you ready to feel secure in a time where so much is uncertain? Contact us to learn how we can help you stand up to these tough times with confidence.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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3 EXPERT TIPS FOR CALCULATING YOUR CAR INSURANCE CLAIM
In 2019, Florida experienced over 400,000 car crashes with people getting injured in over half of those accidents. No matter how safe a driver you are, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in a difficult road situation.
No one wants to wind up in the middle of an automobile accident, but what brings even more headaches is filing a car insurance claim.
Determining the cost of the damages to both you and your car is a time-consuming process. Plus, the road to recovery becomes even longer if you haven’t equipped yourself with the proper insurance coverage.
With all these factors that you have to juggle, how do you even set aside time to take care of current expenses? Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this alone.
If you’re ready to empower yourself with knowledge of what to do post-accident, read on to see how you can handle a car accident claim with confidence.
1. Choose Coverage for Any Car Insurance Claim
What kind of insurance plan you have will determine how high your costs are after an accident. Luckily, the types of car insurance Florida offers should cover the basics and then some. So before you hit the road, make sure you have a safety net in place.
Bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury protection (PIP) are must-haves. These coverages pay for injuries suffered by another driver and their car, as well as additional medical expenses.
Of course, you want to protect your vehicle as well, so collision coverage is another must-have for your car insurance.
But what if you find yourself in a more unusual situation that doesn’t fall under typical coverage? You may want to pad your plan to prepare for unexpected happenings.
Uninsured Drivers
Florida has had high numbers of uninsured motorists over the years, so uninsured accidents are not as rare as one might hope.
If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. You’ll be paying a hefty amount to bail out both yourself and the other driver.
Although you’ll pay extra for your insurance plan, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can save you a lot more down the road. So do the smart thing and factor uninsured drivers into your plan.
Extreme Events
There are plenty of other driving dangers you need to be aware of besides uninsured drivers. If your car is damaged by a natural disaster or a vandal, you want to have purchased the proper insurance coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against a range of unusual circumstances, but it’s okay to be extra cautious. For example, you’ll be thanking yourself if you have to file a stolen car insurance claim one day.
Besides, you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to car accident costs. So make sure you know the types of coverage you need to feel safe on the road. Otherwise, filing a claim will become an expensive endeavor.
2. Calculate Your Car’s Value
When it comes to reporting a car accident insurance claim, determining the cost of the damage to your car can be a tricky process.
Start with the details of your car. You’ll want to note the year, make, model, mileage, and wear and tear. Your insurance company will use these factors, so it only pays for damage caused by the accident.
While taking your car in for repairs, you’ll also need to provide your insurance with at least one estimate from a mechanic. Sometimes your insurance company will ask for multiple estimates and argue for the lowest one.
Remember, your insurance company is a business that wants to save as much as possible. Don’t be surprised if they pull out tactics to avoid paying for costly repairs, so be prepared to fight for compensation.
3. Determine the Full Extent of the Damage
The hardest part of the car insurance claim process is calculating the injuries you sustain. Not only do you suffer from the immediate impact, but health issues could come up later on.
Again, your insurance company is not your friend in this case. They will do everything they can to deny injuries and payments for your medical expenses.
When you contact your insurance after an accident, you’ll need to navigate the conversation with great expertise. On top of dealing with post-accident costs, this can be too much to handle.
So, select a team of dependable car accident attorneys to represent you. They can win you proper compensation by helping you figure out your medical expenses beyond the scene of the accident.
Immediate Injuries
The first thing you should do is file a police report to document the events of the accident. Once you have the accident recorded, address your injuries immediately.
Don’t waste any time seeking medical treatment after an automobile accident. Your insurance company will want to see proof of your injuries, so you need hospital bills to back up your claim. Waiting will only make your claim look suspicious.
No matter what, don’t let your insurance company convince you you are fine. Remain consistent in your narrative, and stand by any injuries you feel you’ve received. Laying the groundwork now will help build the case for long-term injuries later on.
Long-Term Costs
It’s difficult to tell how accident injuries could linger, so don’t rush the process. You may have to pay consistent medical costs for months, so you want full compensation.
Time spent in the hospital translates into money lost from not working. And if your injuries stay with you, you might have to make adjustments at home to accommodate physical difficulties.
All these things can be covered in a car accident insurance claim settlement, so don’t sell yourself short.
Seek help from your attorney, and let them lead the way. They can help you calculate the long-term costs of your injuries and win you the amount you deserve.
Protect Yourself by Staying Informed
The best defense against a car accident and its repercussions is a well-informed driver. As long as you have a plan in place for what to do after an accident, you’ll be primed to file a car insurance claim and earn just compensation.
Auto accidents are stressful for everyone involved. If you find yourself in a messy situation, you’ll need a trusted attorney who has your back.
Are you ready to protect yourself and your property? Contact us for a free consultation, so you can breathe easier knowing your ride is secure.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
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YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION
Florida is a no-fault state. This means that when you experience a road injury, both parties can submit claims to their insurance companies, whether or not you are at fault. This law makes the procedure of personal injury protection in Florida different from other states.
Learning about your options is important to help you protect yourself in the event of an accident. This guide will give you the information you need to protect yourself in the event of a car accident.
Receiving Personal Injury Protection in Florida
The no-fault law in Florida makes it easier for people to receive access to financial aid for personal injuries and may reduce the need for lawsuits. It also means that everyone needs personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If you are registering to purchase a vehicle, you will need to have PIP insurance.
PIP Timeframe
Florida’s rules are a lot stricter when it comes to filing PIP claims. For a claim to be valid, you have to receive medical treatment within two weeks of the auto accident. After your insurance claim, the insurance company has 30 days before they need to pay you, and a total of 60 days to thoroughly investigate your claim.
What Gets Included in a PIP
Personal injury protection in Florida includes coverage of the following expenses:
- Hospital fees
- Any losses arising from lost work (e.g., lost wages)
- Household expenses as a result of the accident (e.g., if you need to hire a babysitter because you cannot take care of your children)
- Ongoing professional care
Specific medical coverage includes bills resulting from:
- Braces
- Ambulance and nursing fees
- Rehabilitation
- X-rays
PIP insurance specializes in covering auto accidents, which can sometimes get excluded from general health insurance coverage. It does not cover costs to your vehicle, so you will need to take out auto insurance and go through a car accident insurance claim settlement process to receive compensation for property damage.
To apply for compensation for lost work, you will need to submit a wage verification, which will be completed by your employer. This report includes your wages in the weeks leading up to the accident.
PIP Coverage Limits
In Florida, PIP insurance only covers 80% of the actual expenses arising from auto accidents. To add to your coverage, you can include medical payments (MedPay), which compensate for the medical expenses you face, as well as any other individual’s (if you are at fault).
PIP insurance also only covers 60% of lost wage claims, and the total coverage has a limit of $10,000.
PIP insurance does not support claims if you drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but MedPay does.
Hiring a Lawyer for PIP claims
You may not think you need a lawyer to claim for insurance, but the truth is, insurance companies can deny your claim, and sometimes, they will take a while to get back to you. To prevent these situations, an attorney can conduct their own crash investigations and support your settlement case. They can also help you when your insurance company is taking a while to provide compensation.
Making A Lawsuit Claim
Even with the coverage of PIP, you are entitled to file a suit against the party that caused your injuries. This means you can cover the rest of your costs that are excluded from your PIP insurance.
Florida allows lawsuits only when the physical harm is severe or when the medical costs exceed $10,000. There are a few procedures to go through when filing a lawsuit.
1. Record As Many Details As Possible
This actually applies even when you don’t want to sue. Having detailed records of the accident will help convince your insurance company to accept your claim. In the case of a lawsuit, they will make the process go a lot smoother.
Some details you can record immediately after an accident:
- The other individual’s name, license plate, and insurance information
- Visible injuries to any party
Having photographic evidence will also bolster your case.
2. Obtain A Crash Report
To strengthen your case, you will need to obtain a crash report. To find out more about the procedures regarding this, you can visit the Florida Crash Portal on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.
You can also self-report an auto accident. The FHSMV provides a template for filing a crash report. This can be useful for minor accidents that do not cause significant financial loss.
This crash report will provide all the information gathered during the accident, which will document the different types of injuries and, if filed by police officers, will include more details about the assumed cause of the accident. This is useful for your lawyer when they defend your case in court.
3. Get in Touch With a Lawyer
If you want to file a suit because of an accident, reach out to personal injury lawyers who focus on auto accidents in Florida. Due to the unique nature of personal injury cases in the state, having someone with a lot of experience in the area will benefit your case.
If you have already hired a lawyer to advocate for your insurance claim, you can use the same lawyer to pick up your legal case.
Want to Protect Yourself From Auto Accident Costs?
Accidents happen, and Florida’s no-fault law and the requirement for PIP insurance maximize the chances of compensation for you. Growing aware of your different options will improve the speed of insurance and legal processes when you file a claim for personal injury protection in Florida.
Looking for attorneys who cover personal injury protection in Florida? Contact us.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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IS A TRAFFIC VIOLATION A CRIMINAL OFFENSE?
One in every 5 American adults has received traffic tickets as a result of a moving violation in the last 5 years.
Whether you get pulled over for speeding, running a stop sign, or for something more serious. Like a DUI, getting a ticket can be scary, confusing, and very expensive. Depending on the severity of your violation, it could also have severe consequences, like jail time and hefty fines. Or even cause you to lose your job.
But before you ever find out what consequences you’re going to face, you’ll likely have some questions about the ticket itself. One big one many drivers have is whether you’ll be facing criminal charges.
Is a traffic violation a crime? Keep reading to find out.
Is a Traffic Violation a Crime?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t straightforward. That’s because there are many different types of traffic violations. Some are more serious than others.
Instead, the answer is that some traffic violations are considered crimes, while others are not.
Types of Traffic Violations that are Not Considered Crimes
Many of the most common traffic violations are not considered crimes. This means that if you are pulled over and ticketed by a police officer for one of these violations, you’ll go to traffic court.
Some examples of minor, non-criminal traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Texting and driving
- Changing lanes in a way that is not safe
- Running a stop sign
If you receive a ticket for one of the above violations, you’ll go to traffic court. There, your violation will be classified as either an infraction or a civil offense.
In most cases, you’ll face a fine. You’ll pay your fine and receive points on your license.
However, in some states, including Florida, you also have the option of attending traffic school after receiving a ticket for a minor traffic violation. By agreeing to and then attending traffic school, you may be able to lower your fine. Or even avoid getting points on your license. Some traffic school courses can even be attended online, so you won’t need to miss work or school in order to attend.
If you feel that you received a ticket for something you were not guilty of, you also have the option of fighting back. With the help of an attorney, you can fight the ticket and prove your innocence. This means no paying fees or receiving points on your license, without having to attend traffic school.
Types of Traffic Violations That are Considered Crimes
While minor traffic violations are typically classified as civil offenses or infractions, more serious violations can be considered crimes. This means that they’ll carry criminal charges as well.
Some examples of serious traffic violations that are considered crimes include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, also known as DUI
- Reckless driving that endangers other drivers or your passengers
- Leaving the scene of an accident, also known as a hit and run
- Vehicular homicide
- Driving while your license is suspended or after it has been revoked
- Attempting to run from law enforcement following a traffic violation
- Driving without a license
- Racing on a highway
- Driving with an expired vehicle registration
- Using a tag that is not assigned to that vehicle
When a traffic violation is considered a crime, it will often be categorized as a misdemeanor. However, depending on the circumstances, it could also be classified as a felony.
In most cases, the violation will be elevated to a felony if the person responsible is a repeat offender or if the crime led to serious property damage, injuries, or death. You could also receive a felony charge if you are pulled over and found in possession of or attempting to sell or distribute drugs.
Many criminal traffic violations will result in immediate arrest. You may need to post bail in order to get released and then appear in court to learn what charges you face.
Depending on the severity of the crime, you may face fines or jail time, lose your license, and more.
What Should You Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket?
Whether you’re caught speeding or arrested for a DUI, facing the consequences can be stressful. You might find yourself wondering what your options are. Or if you feel that you were unfairly accused, you may wonder what your options are.
That’s where an attorney can help.
No matter the severity of your traffic violation, a lawyer who focuses on traffic law can help you navigate your options and guide you through the legal process. He or she will not only help you understand the charges that you could face but will also represent you in court so that you won’t have to appear.
If you decide to dispute your ticket, whether you actually think that you’re guilty or not, they’ll help you do just that. In fact, your attorney may advise attempting to dispute your ticket, as this is your only chance of getting it dismissed.
Finding a Traffic Law Attorney
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Is a traffic violation a crime,” as well as a little about the difference between different traffic violations, it’s time to take care of your own ticket.
Whether you were arrested for a serious offense like a DUI or received a ticket for speeding or running a stop sign, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. Besides fighting for you in court, your attorney can also ensure that you understand all of your options when it comes to fighting charges, lowering fines, or avoiding accumulating points on your license.
If you’ve received a ticket or been arrested for a traffic violation, we can help. Contact us today for a free case review or video consultation.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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