RED LIGHT CAR ACCIDENTS IN FLORIDA
First of all, we all know running a red light is against the law. And, when authorities catch you running a red light they receive a traffic ticket. But, the other side of running a red light is a car accident. Consequently, red light car accidents usually have a catastrophic outcome.
In fact, a report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, confirms red light accidents are a safety challenge. If someone runs a red light and hits you, RHINO Lawyers can help.
Red Light Accident Statistics
With national red light crash statistics showing nearly 940 people died in 2017. But, where does Florida fall within these statistics? Well, according to the report 10% of the fatalities occurred in Florida. So, here are some key stats for Florida you should know.
- Florida has the 5th highest death rate in the US from red light accidents.
- 741 people died from a red light accident in Florida from 2008-2017.
- From those that died 268 was the driver, 85 were passengers, 346 were in the other car, and 42 were either a pedestrian or a cyclist
Common Causes of Red Light Accidents
Considering, careless and reckless drivers cause all red light accidents. Still, these drivers exhibit some of the same common actions that lead to running a red light. So, here are some common causes of red light accidents.
- Racing to beat the yellow light or not slowing down for the yellow light.
- Not focusing on the road while driving or distracted driving.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Preventing A Red Light Accident
Even though we cannot control the actions of other drivers, we can adjust our behaviors while driving. With this in mind, as a driver here are a few tips to help you prevent a running a red light and causing a car accident.
- Don’t try to beat the yellow light to avoid a red light. Traffic lights are essential safety devices for keeping the roads safe and maintaining traffic flow.
- Just slow down and drive the speed limit. Because when you drive over the speed limit it makes it difficult to slow down for light changes.
- When stopped at a light wait a few seconds before moving through the light when it turns green. This will allow you to make sure the intersection is clear.
- Put your cell phone down and try to avoid any action that takes you attention off the road. When you avoid driving distracted it allows you more time to react to the ever-changing road conditions.
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 TO AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA
First of all, car accidents cause millions of injuries every year in the United States. In fact, over 250,000 of these injuries come from accidents in Florida. So, safety and avoiding a car accident should be a top priority for every driver. But how do we avoid a car accident?
Well, the best way to avoid a car accident is to know what to watch for. So, we have put together some tips to help you avoid a car crash.
Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident
Granted, every driver should drive responsibly. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Luckily, knowing some of the basic causes can help you take precautions and avoid an accident. So, here are six tips to help keep you safe and avoid an accident.
- Always Drive Sober – Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol continues to a factor in auto accidents. Additionally, in 2010 Florida had 17,748 alcohol-related crashes.
- Don’t Drive Distracted – Activities that take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road put you at risk of an accident.
- Know Your Car – Granted, this seems obvious. But, everyone should know how their car operates. For instance, knowing how to adjust your seatbelt and mirrors are vital for your safety. As well as, knowing how your car handles in different weather conditions will help keep you safe.
- Maintain Your Car – Keeping up with routine maintenance will not only keep your car running but it will help keep you safe. Because brakes and tires are essential to your car’s handling. And, your safety on the road.
- Avoid Driving While Tired – Driving when you’re tired produces effects like the effects of alcohol. Furthermore, the National Sleep Foundation found driving after being awake for 18 straight hours has effects equal to a .05 BAC. Considering, the BAC limit in Florida is .08% or more you want to avoid driving without sleep.
- Don’t Drive Upset or Angry – Stress can turn even the most courteous driver into an aggressive one. Aggressive driving contributes to 5 million car accidents each year. And, these are some aggressive driving habits: rolling stops, speeding through yellow lights, not yielding the right of way, preventing a merge, honking the horn, failing to signal, tailgating, or weaving through traffic. Being mindful of these behaviors will help you drive safer.
Types of Car Accidents
Next, when it comes to car accidents there are many likely causes. And, a variety of different types of accidents that could occur. But, here are four of the most common auto accidents.
- Rear-end Collision – Often the result of following too closely or distracted driving. A rear-end collision is the most common accident.
- Side-Impact Collision – Also called “t-boned” side-impact collisions happen when the front of a car strikes the side of another car. These generally happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
- Head-on Collision – This occurs when the front-end of your car hits an object. As a result, this is one of the deadliest auto accidents.
- Multi-vehicle Collision – These accidents occur when three or more vehicles collide. Like, a head-on collision these accidents are severe or even deadly. This is due to the multiple impacts that happen during the crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Finally, you should protect yourself after an auto accident. As a matter of fact, most people don’t know what to do after an accident. Thus, these tips can help anyone involved in an auto accident.
- Stop and Check for Injuries – In all honesty, you should never leave an accident. Because they will charge you with a crime. Instead, check yourself and passengers for injuries. Then, check on the other driver if possible. But, if you have injuries call 911 and don’t move.
- Get to Safety – Next, if your car is drivable move it the side of the road out of traffic. Additionally, if you cannot drive the car, put on your hazard signals and you move to the side of the road.
- Call the Police – Always call the police when in an auto accident. They will file an accident report. More importantly, you will need this report when you file your claim.
- Exchange Information – Even though they do not have insurance, you will need their contact and vehicle details. Furthermore, you should get the contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the Details – You will need to write down the other driver’s vehicle information, time and location of the accident, and the officer’s name with a badge number. Also, try to document any details that may help when you file your claim.
- Take Pictures – Additionally, take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of the damage to each car, the license plate of the other driver, and traffic signs.
- Report to Insurance Company – As I have said, it is important to report a crash as soon as possible. Besides, reporting the accident keeps you from breaking the terms of your policy. Not to mention, you need to let them know so you can use your MedPay coverage. Because MedPay requires you to submit all medical bills through the insurance company.
- Contact an Auto Accident Attorney – Actually, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney after an accident. Because an auto accident attorney can use their knowledge of relevant laws to help protect your rights. As well as, handling all the paperwork and filing deadlines. Thus, allowing you to focus on recovering and getting your life back to normal.
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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TOP SPEEDING TICKET MYTHS DEBUNKED
First of all, speeding tickets are the most common traffic tickets in the US. And, that remains true for tickets issued in and around Tampa and Hillsborough County. So, if you get a speeding ticket you have options. But, due to rumors, urban myths, and misinformation online many people make the wrong choices when handling their ticket. For this reason, here are the top speeding ticket myths debunked.
If the office doesn’t show up in court your ticket is dismissed.
Well, this myth is half true. But, it depends on the state and their rules around officers appearing in court. Actually, some states do not need officers to appear. While other states do require the ticketing officer to appear or the judge will throw out the case. Either way, if you fight your ticket don’t do it alone, make sure you have a traffic ticket attorney by your side.
Errors on your speeding ticket will get your case dropped.
So, the officer made a mistake on your speeding ticket. Does this mean your ticket is not valid? If they made a typo like spelling, wrong number, or another minor error – your ticket is valid. But, if they make a major error like they did not sign the ticket. Or, cited the wrong law could benefit your case if you contest the speeding ticket.
Speeding Tickets don’t follow you from state to state.
Considering, this myth was once true. It is understandable that it still exists among the rumors. But, this stopped when states started participating in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. The DLC is an agreement between states to share traffic violation information. In other words, they let your home state know about your speeding ticket. So, you can’t escape paying the speeding ticket.
Matching the speed of traffic or passing slower traffic are grounds for dismissal.
To tell the truth, no this is not true. As a matter of fact, once to go over the speed limit you have broken the law. So, it does not matter if the person in front of you is driving slower or you are matching the speed of traffic. When you are behind the wheel you need to follow the posted speed limit.
Officers Have End of the month quotas.
As for quotas, this is a myth I have heard since I was a kid. And, of course, it is not correct. Like, all jobs police officers have performance expectations. Now, their supervisor may use the number of tickets written to gage productivity. But, they do not have a quota to meet each month.
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. 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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EVENT DATA RECORDERS AND AUTO ACCIDENTS
First of all car accidents happen all the time without impartial witnesses to recount the accident. But did you know car manufacturers have been installing event data recorders (EDR) since 2014? In fact, some car manufacturers were installing these before 2014. Considering, EDR’s are like a plane’s black box, it could help piece together how the crash happened.
What is An Event Data Recorder (EDR)?
Like, a flight-event recorder or “black box” records an event data recorder documents information about your car before a crash. But, it does not record video or audio. Instead, in the event of an accident, an EDR records electronic data about your driving. Admittedly, the event data recorder will permanently save the information if your airbag deploys. Otherwise, it overwrites the data after some time. Because of this, the information collected is time-sensitive.
What Information Does My Event Data Recorder Keep After An Accident?
Event data records have evolved over the years from only monitoring airbags. Actually, now these they collect 30 plus types of data from your car. Typically, saving a few seconds of information before and during the crash. Unless your airbag deploys then it will save around 20 seconds of data. Furthermore, here are some key data points it collects that can help shed light on the accident.
- Time and date of your accident
- Your speed at the time of the crash
- Depth of accelerator pedal
- Steering wheel direction
- Seat position
- Braking pattern
- Throttle position
- If certain warning lights were operating
- Who was wearing a seatbelt
- Airbag deployment status
- Force of impact
Florida EDR Laws
Finally, these data collection devices being in all new vehicles brought concerns about data privacy. So, in 2015 they passed the Driver Privacy Act. Namely, the act made the data collected the property of the vehicle owner or lessee. Since enacted 17 states have established statutes associated with event data recorders.
So, Florida does not have a specific statute around event data recorders. Still, Florida has a computer trespass statute. In fact, statute 815.06 states the following:
“Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer system, or computer network commits an offense against computer users and commits a felony of the third degree. – COMPUTER-RELATED CRIMES”
Thus, allowing the interpretation of EDR’s to fit within this general description.
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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UNSAFE ROADS CAUSING CAR ACCIDENTS
First of all, statistically negligent drivers cause most car accidents. But, did you know unsafe roads can also lead to a car accident? In fact, these crashes are most notably after severe weather. So, if you suspect unsafe road conditions contributed to your accident, we can help.
Driving Hazards that Make Unsafe Road Conditions
Next, Florida residents know severe storms occur almost daily during the summer months. Not to mention, the weather we get from hurricane season. As a result, these storms produce a variety of unsafe road conditions. Thus, the following are some of the most common hazards.
- Slippery Roads
- Tree limbs and leaves
- Potholes
- Debris in the road
- Sinkholes
- Deteriorated shoulders
While each of these hazards is avoidable in some instances. Unfortunately, not all drives are lucky when they encounter one of these conditions. In fact, the unlucky one can lose control of the vehicle and even crash into another car.
Legal Options for Unsafe Road Accidents
Lastly, anyone injured in an auto accident due to unsafe road conditions can receive compensation. Despite, having protection from most lawsuits, you can sue a government agency. Actually, the Federal Tort Claims Act allows for these claims. Especially, when an injury occurs due to unsafe roads.
But, not every accident from an unsafe road condition constitutes a lawsuit. For this reason, it becomes the burden of the plaintiff to provide proof of neglect. Furthermore, to hold them responsible they need to know about the issue. Plus, they would need time to assess and fix the problem.
For example, if you drive your vehicle during or after a hurricane. And, during this drive, you have an accident due to debris in the road. In this case, you cannot blame them as you took the risk of going out during these extreme conditions. And, they have not had enough time to assess the roads.
Either way, you should always speak to an auto accident attorney after an accident so they can review your case.
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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CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT CLAIMS
To begin with, school bus involved accidents are rare. In fact, car accidents are 70 times more likely according to the NHTSA. Yet, these accidents can still occur. And, receiving compensation for your child’s injury can be more complex. Because the school district brings new challenges to school bus accident claims.
Difference Between School Bus and Car Accident Claims
First, a school bus and car accident claims have many differences. Actually, these two accidents even call for a distinct approach when filing a claim. Even though, they both typically involve a negligent driver. And, that is a key component in auto accident cases.
Consequently, a school bus accident involves the school system. Which is part of and run by the local government. Because the accident involves a government body you must follow special procedures to file a claim. Besides, the school district has sovereign immunity that protects them from most lawsuits.
Who is Liable for the School Bus ACCIDENT?
So, who is liable for your child’s injuries in a school bus accident? Specifically, you would file a claim against the negligent or at-fault individual. Because every accident is different, the person who caused the accident can vary. For instance, the accident could have resulted due to one of the following parties.
- School bus driver
- Manufacturer of the bus or bus parts
- Another motorist
- A private transportation company
- Your school district/local government
As a matter of fact, some cases have more than one party responsible. In that case, a personal injury attorney can help you seek damages from all parties.
Filling An Accident Claim Against the School System
Finally, even though sovereign immunity will protect the school district from most lawsuits. It does not protect them all lawsuits. In fact, Florida law will allow an accident victim to pursue damages. Provided the school district employee’s negligence the caused their injury. So, if your child gets injured in a school bus accident contact an auto accident attorney to help you through the complexities of this type of case.
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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PENALTIES FOR PASSING A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS
To start with, a new school year brings the addition of school buses to the roads. Thus, buses will start taking students to and from school. And, drivers will need to remember there are penalties for passing a stopped school bus.
But, some drivers forget or get distracted ignoring the safety features. Like, the flashing yellow and red lights and the stop sign on the side of the bus. Additionally, they made the rules around stopping for a school bus simple.
- Two-lane roads – all vehicles traveling either direction have to stop.
- Multi-lane roads with a paved center – again all vehicles have to stop.
- Divided roads or highways with a 5ft unpaved median, raised median, or barrier – Any vehicle traveling behind the bus must stop. And, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop but should drive with caution.
Florida Penalties for Passing A Stopped School Bus
Next, like most states, Florida takes this traffic offense seriously. Because when you don’t stop for a school bus loading or unloading kids, you endanger their lives. Thus, Florida Statute 318.18 states the following:
Failure to Stop for School Bus
- 4 points on your license
- Up to a $165 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A second offense within 5 years adds a suspended license up to 6 months.
Failure to Stop Passing the Side Kids Enter and Exit
- 4 points on your license
- Up to $265 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A second offense within 5 years adds a suspended license up to 1 year.
A Violation Causing Serious Injury
- 6 points on your license
- Up to $1500 fine
- Mandatory hearing
- A suspended license not less than 1 year.
Additionally, these penalties will increase as of January 1, 2021. Because the Florida Senate and Gov. Ron DeSantis recently approved and passed House Bill 37 doubling the penalties.
SCHOOL BUS RIDER SAFETY TIPS
Even though, riding the bus to school is one of the safest alternatives to parents dropping kids off at school. Unfortunately, drivers fail to follow the rules. Which can result in a citation or worse an accident. So, here are some safety tips to help keep your child safe as they prepare to ride the bus.
- Make sure they give themselves enough time to get to the bus stop.
- Stay alert. So, they can see and hear cars on the road.
- Don’t stand on the edge of the road. Try to stay at least 5 steps from the edge or curb.
- If they need to cross the road always wait for the bus driver to signify it is safe to cross. Even if the bus driver says it is safe, look both ways before crossing.
- Never try to board the bus while it is moving. Always wait for the bus to stop and open the doors indicating it is safe to board.
- The same goes for exiting the bus. They should not get out of their seat to exit until the has stopped.
- While on the bus sit facing forward and don’t hang anything out the window.
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. 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 TO AVOID BACK-TO-SCHOOL ACCIDENTS
As summer break comes to an end the back-to-school season starts. Although back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids and parents, it brings the risk of back-to-school accidents. As a matter of fact, we can all do our part to avoid back-to-school accidents. So, we put together some safety tips for students and parents to follow as school gets back into session.
Back-to-School Bus Rider Safety
First, riding the bus to school is one of the safest alternatives to parents dropping kids off at school. In fact, they designed school buses with safety in mind. Yet, school bus accidents can still happen. So, here are some safety tips to help keep your child safe as they go back-to-school.
- Make sure they give themselves enough time to get to the bus stop.
- Stay alert. So, they can see and hear cars on the road.
- Don’t stand on the edge of the road. Try to stay at least 5 steps from the edge or curb.
- If they need to cross the road always wait for the bus driver to signify it is safe to cross. Even if the bus driver says it is safe, look both ways before crossing.
- Never try to board the bus while it is moving. Always wait for the bus to stop and open the doors indicating it is safe to board.
- The same goes for exiting the bus. They should not get out of their seat to exit until the has stopped.
- While on the bus sit facing forward and don’t hang anything out the window.
Parents and Carpool Driver Safety
Next, if you drive your student or take part in a carpool to get them to school then this is for you. Because drivers need to stay alert and use extra caution in school zones and around school buses. So, here are some tips to help you avoid a back-to-school accident.
- First and foremost, adhere to the speed limit.
- Follow your child’s schools drop off procedures.
- Watch for kids crossing the street and try to make eye contact with them.
- Slow down when approaching a school bus.
- If the bus is flashing red lights stop! In fact, you should stop about 20 feet from the bus.
- Never ever pass a stopped school bus that is allowing kids to get on or off the bus.
Teen Drivers Back-to-School Safety Tips
Finally, we must not forget about the teenage driver. Since car accidents are one of the leading causes of death for teens. Preparation like this is very important. For this reason, we put together some safety precautions to review with your teen.
- Buckle up and do not start driving until everyone in the car has a seatbelt on.
- Put your cell phone away and do not use it while driving.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Limit the number of passengers to help reduce distractions.
- If it is raining turn on your headlights and drive with extra caution.
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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ARE BACK SEAT PASSENGERS SAFE
To begin with, most people think they would be safer in the back seat during a front-end collision. But, are back seat passengers safe? Actually, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), back seat passengers are not safer.
In all honesty, the back seat is not is completely unsafe. But, that technology has increased the safety of the front seat passengers. So, here is what you need to know about the safety of your passengers during an auto accident.
Front Seat Technology in New Cars
First, car manufacturers constantly add new safety features to vehicles. Usually, they add these features to increase safety in the event of a frontal collision. In fact, these features help to keep the driver and front-seat passenger firmly in their seats. Thus, reducing the chances of getting tossed around the car during impact. For example, most new vehicles include the following safety features.
- Improved seat belts with crash tensioners and force limiters
- Passive airbags (both front and side)
- Electronic stability control
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Back Seats Don’t Have the Same Protection
Next, your passengers in the back seat of your car are not completely unsafe in an accident. Actually, newer cars have added side airbags and side-impact zones. But, when it comes to a front-end crash the rear seat belts lack crash tensioners and force limiters. As well as, the back seat passenger does not have front airbags.
While back seat passengers have some protection, the lack of those features put them at higher risk of injury or death in a front-end collision. Luckily, researchers and automakers have recognized this issue. And, continue to investigate new technology to improve the safety of back seat passengers.
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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PASSENGERS’ RIGHTS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT
To start with, with most auto accidents you hear about the drivers of the cars involved. And, you want to know how the law compensated the injured driver. But, what about passengers? Particularly, passengers’ rights in an auto accident.
Additionally, under Florida law who is responsible for a passenger’s injuries? Regardless, who the at-fault party is in the accident a passenger should know their rights. So, we put together some information every passenger in Florida should know to help protect their rights after an auto accident.
Basic Steps Even Passengers Should Take After An Accident
First, every driver and passenger needs to know what to do after an accident. Granted, most passengers don’t know all their rights or how to protect them after an accident. So, we put together 7 tips to help you in the event of a car accident:
- Get to safety – This will prevent more damage from occurring.
- Contact the police – It is important to make sure there is a police report. Because you will need this report when you file your claim.
- Exchange Information – Even if they do not have insurance, you will need their contact and vehicle details. Furthermore, you should get the contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the Details – You will need to write down both driver’s vehicle information, time, and location of the accident. As well as, the officer’s name with a badge number. Also, try to document any details that may help when you file your claim.
- Take Pictures – You should take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of the damage to each car, the license plate of both drivers, and traffic signs.
- Seek medical attention – Often, injuries are not immediately apparent. Don’t wait, seek medical attention at your local emergency room, or by seeing your family physician right away.
- Get Legal Help – Most importantly, consult with an auto accident lawyer.
Who’s Insurance Covers You as a Passenger?
Admittedly, Florida is a no-fault state. Thus, as a car owner, Florida requires you to have PIP (personal injury protection) insurance. In fact, Florida Statute 627.736 states, your PIP coverage will cover injuries up to the policy limit. So, that does not mean as a passenger you are not covered. Luckily, passengers have options when injured in an accident.
- Your PIP Policy – First, Florida law says passengers that have a PIP policy must use it first when injured in an accident.
- A Family Member In Your Household’s Policy – Second, passengers without a PIP policy can use the insurance policy of a household family member. As long as they were not involved in the same accident.
- The Driver’s Policy – Third, a passenger that does not have access to their own or household members’ PIP policy can receive coverage. In fact, you can use the policy of the driver you were riding with.
What if you as a passenger have serious injuries?
Additionally, as a passenger injured in an accident your injuries might exceed the benefits of the PIP policy. In this case, the Florida no-fault rules won’t apply. So, you can make a claim against the at-fault driver. Although, we recommend having an auto accident attorney to review your case. Because they can advise you of all your options.
Passengers Cannot Double Dip
Finally, as a passenger, you may have access to more than one PIP policy for coverage. But, you can only recover damages once. And, what this means is that if you have $4,000 in damages, you can only recover that amount once. So, if your insurance does not cover the full amount of your damages, you can file a claim against the other driver or the vehicle owner. Thus, allowing you to recover the rest of your damages.
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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