Navigating Florida Car Accident Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Florida Car Accident
If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Florida, understanding how to handle your insurance claim can make all the difference. Whether you’re filing through your own insurance under Florida’s no-fault system or pursuing compensation from another driver, knowing what steps to take helps protect your rights and your financial recovery.
At Kemp Law, our experienced Florida car accident attorneys guide clients through every stage of the insurance claim process—ensuring fair treatment, proper documentation, and maximum compensation.
Understanding the Florida Car Accident Insurance Process
Florida’s roads see thousands of car accidents each year, from minor fender benders to major collisions. These crashes often lead to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Knowing how to file a car accident insurance claim in Florida helps you recover faster and prevents costly mistakes.
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, most accident-related medical costs are initially covered by your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy—regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your injuries are severe or permanent, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Steps to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim in Florida
Filing an insurance claim after a car accident doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Report the Accident – Contact law enforcement immediately and file a report within ten days, as required by Florida law.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Inform your insurer about the crash right away, even if you weren’t at fault.
- Gather Documentation – Collect photos, witness information, medical bills, and the police report.
- Seek Medical Attention Quickly – Florida law requires you to get medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
- Consult a Florida Car Accident Lawyer – An attorney can deal directly with the insurance companies and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by questioning the extent of your injuries or delaying your claim. Having an attorney on your side prevents these tactics from reducing your recovery. A car accident lawyer in Florida can negotiate with insurers, handle paperwork, and represent you if your claim is denied or undervalued.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance law, your own policy covers up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to your policy limits. If your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” you may step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation, including pain and suffering.
When to Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney
It’s best to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash—especially if:
- You suffered serious or permanent injuries.
- Your claim was denied or delayed.
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
- You’re unsure how much your case is worth.
The team at Kemp Law Group handles everything from communicating with insurance adjusters to building strong evidence for your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and Insurance Claims
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, you may still be able to recover compensation through your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. A hit-and-run attorney can help identify potential sources of coverage and investigate the crash to hold the responsible driver accountable.
Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?
In many cases, your health insurance can help pay for medical expenses that exceed your PIP coverage. However, the specifics depend on your policy. An experienced car accident injury lawyer can review your insurance options and coordinate with medical providers to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
FAQs About Florida Car Accident Insurance Claims
How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance in Florida?
You must report your accident to your insurance company within 10 days and seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You can file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage if available.
Can I sue the other driver after a Florida car accident?
Yes. If your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit for additional damages.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident insurance claim?
While not required, a lawyer can greatly increase your chances of full compensation—especially if your claim involves disputes, high damages, or serious injuries.
Talk to a Florida Car Accident Insurance Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash, don’t face the insurance companies alone. The experienced attorneys at Kemp Law Group have helped countless clients across Tampa, Trinity, New Port Richey, and throughout Florida recover the compensation they deserve.
Call (727) 788-6792 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
