
Problems don't stop at the scene of the accident. A plethora of complications can sprout up if your case isn't handled correctly and in a certain amount of time.
Question 1
If the car accident was my fault, will I still have insurance coverage?
Florida is a "no-fault" state. This means that auto insurance policyholders are required by law to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Each driver's PIP will pay for their own expenses. Although, if the accident is your fault, the other driver can still sue you if their injuries are severe.
Question 2
Is my car accident on public record?
In Florida, information about your car accident is made public record 60 days after the date of the collision. Up until that point, only select parties have access to that report, including both parties' attorneys, insurance agents, and law enforcement.
Question 3
Will a car accident affect my credit score?
In most cases, your credit score will not be affected by an automobile accident, as your credit report only includes information relative to debt. But according to Experian:
"The only way the accident could affect your credit report is if you were sued as a result and were ordered by the court to pay damages, or if the insurance companies did not cover all of the costs resulting from the accident, and you had to pay some amount personally but failed to do so. In that instance, the amount you were required to pay could be sent to a collection agency, which would then report the debt to Experian."
"The only way the accident could affect your credit report is if you were sued as a result and were ordered by the court to pay damages, or if the insurance companies did not cover all of the costs resulting from the accident, and you had to pay some amount personally but failed to do so. In that instance, the amount you were required to pay could be sent to a collection agency, which would then report the debt to Experian."
Question 4
What happens if I get into a car accident on private property?
All you need to worry about is following the same steps you would if you weren't on private property, namely:
Property owners - whether it's their fault or not - will oftentimes become defensive and refuse to offer up security footage and other evidence. Don't begin any dispute with them or any insurance agency until you speak to your attorney.
- Call the police and report the accident, even if you're on private property. If you are on a property with security guards present, have them create their own report as well.
- Seek medical attention if you or a passenger is injured.
- Call your attorney. Depending on your situation, they may have very specific insights as to what you need to do next.
Property owners - whether it's their fault or not - will oftentimes become defensive and refuse to offer up security footage and other evidence. Don't begin any dispute with them or any insurance agency until you speak to your attorney.
Question 5
What happens if I get into a car accident out-of-state?
The laws in that state will govern the accident. If you needed to file a lawsuit as a result of injury, that lawsuit would also take place in the state which the accident happened, and you would need to consult with an attorney within that state as well.
Most insurance policies cover accidents across state lines. But if you've been visiting a certain state for a long period of time (90 days or more in some states), that insurance policy may not cover the accident. Your vehicle would need to be registered in that state, and you would of course need to purchase a new insurance policy in that state as well.
Most insurance policies cover accidents across state lines. But if you've been visiting a certain state for a long period of time (90 days or more in some states), that insurance policy may not cover the accident. Your vehicle would need to be registered in that state, and you would of course need to purchase a new insurance policy in that state as well.
Question 6
How do I recover lost wages after a car accident?
Lost wages refers to the income you would have earned if you hadn't been injured. Recovering those wages is all about documentation backing up your injury claims. Your medical provider will need to submit proof to your employer that your rehabilitation required a certain period of time. You will also need to prove how much income you lost as a result of your injury. This includes copies of your paystubs showing the amount you generally make.
Question 7
What happens if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
While uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Florida, the at-fault driver isn’t required to protect you with their insurance either. Insurance companies are required to offer you uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as an add-on protection, but it’s in their best interest to not pay out claims so they aren’t going to go out of their way to make sure you have it. For more information on UM/UIM coverage, see our previous article here.
Question 8
What happens if the other driver leaves the scene?
Don't chase them. First, call the police and explain every detail of the situation, including the accident and a description of the other driver's automobile. If there are any witnesses around, try to get their contact information if they aren't willing to wait for the police to show up to the scene.
This is also a good time to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which will cover the damage of your vehicle. And of course call your attorney. They can help you navigate your insurance policy and guide your through your hit-and-run claim.
This is also a good time to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which will cover the damage of your vehicle. And of course call your attorney. They can help you navigate your insurance policy and guide your through your hit-and-run claim.
Question 9
What if the other person involved is an Uber driver?
Here is Uber's policy referring to at-fault Uber drivers. They are insured for:
Call your attorney, as always. They will deal with Uber and their insurance policies on your behalf to make sure you are fully compensated.
- Liability to a third party if they are in a covered crash where they are at fault and they are online but have not received a trip request yet.
- At least $50,000 in injury liability per person, $100,000 in total liability per crash, and $25,000 in property damage liability per crash.
- Liability to a third party (at least $1 million).
Call your attorney, as always. They will deal with Uber and their insurance policies on your behalf to make sure you are fully compensated.
Final Thoughts
In all cases...
Call your attorney. Whenever money is at stake, people get mean and dishonest, including insurance agents. As a Jacksonville car accident lawyer, Alisa Wilkes is known for her boldness in dealing with insurance companies. Call Alisa today, and leave the stress of answering these questions to her.