Things to Know
What to do After an Accident
Call 911 and remain on the scene until first responders arrive.
Never admit fault to anyone at the scene or during phone calls after the crash.
If you are injured, ask for medical assistance or an ambulance
to be called.While speaking to the police, never admit to being in a rush.
Do not speak to anyone other than the police about how the crash occurred.
Document the scene of the accident with photos of the full scene:
• Road Signs
• Road markings
• Surrounding area
• All vehicles involved and damage to those vehicles (including license plates)• Drivers Licenses
• Insurance cardsIf you can, get the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.
Call Shalhoub Law at (561) 208-5058 before speaking to any insurance companies.
When Contacting an Insurance Company
It is important to remember that the insurance companies are not on your side. Representatives from your, or the at fault driver’s insurance companies are motivated to quickly resolve your case for as small a settlement as possible.
When speaking with them indicate that you have selected to seek professional representation from an attorney. Provide them with the contact information of your attorney. In turn provide your attorney with the necessary insurance information and a case number your accident was assigned.
Understanding Types of Insurance
PIP or Personal Injury Protection
This insurance used to pay your medical providers regardless of who is at fault for the accident. (It is why Florida is called a “No Fault State”) This insurance covers everyone living in your household. PIP covers up to 80% of your medical expenses and up to 60% of your lost wages after your vehicle accident, up to $10,000.
You have 14 days to seek medical care for injuries caused by the accident, if you do not, the coverage will not be provided.
Medpay or Medical Payments
If you have this coverage, Medpay covers what PIP does not. If you have adequate health insurance coverage you may not need Medpay as it would be redundant coverage.
PD or Property Damage Insurance
This insurance covers any damage you may have caused to another person’s vehicle. This is another type of insurance that is required by Florida state law ($10,000 minimum to drive in Florida).
Collision
This insurance is optional in the state of Florida and covers damage to your vehicle no matter whose fault the accident was. This coverage is very important to have as it will ensure your vehicle is repaired regardless of who caused the crash.
BI or Bodily Injury
If you are at fault for an accident, this type of insurance provides coverage to compensate the injured party for injury & damages. This is another type of insurance that is optional in the state of Florida, yet it is highly recommended to have it (especially since it allows you the opportunity to obtain Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage).
UM or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
If you are hurt in an accident caused by someone else who does not have auto insurance or has poor coverage, then this insurance provides coverage to compensate you for your injuries and damages. This is another type of insurance that is optional in the state of Florida, yet it is highly recommended to have it (especially since there are many drivers in Florida who do not have bodily injury coverage).
