As the third-largest state by population and a popular tourist destination, Florida sees more than its share of car accidents each year. Those who suffer injuries or lose loved ones in motor vehicle accidents caused by someone else may not know how to go about obtaining the financial relief they need. The following offers important information to keep in mind.
Specific accident numbers
The Sunshine State saw more than 401,000 car accidents in 2021, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department. Of those, nearly 3,500 were fatal and 163,961 caused injuries. The state requires drivers to have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance coverage.
Drivers must report accidents that cause more than $500 in property damage or result in injury or death. Even with insurance, many accident victims do not get enough compensation to cover their expenses and losses, which is why many choose to pursue personal injury claims. In Florida, parties have four years from the date of their accident to file a claim; otherwise, they may forfeit their right to seek compensation.
Understanding rights and options for pursuing compensation
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, and it follows pure comparative negligence rules regarding compensation. This means a victim may receive compensation no matter how much at fault they were for the accident. Those adversely affected by a car accident in Florida caused by someone else should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for a full explanation of their rights and options for obtaining much-needed compensation.
