How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Florida?

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Florida?

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Vehicle Accidents

How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Florida? To answer this question, we will need to examine a few different types of car insurance. When you get hurt in a car accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is money. Yet, as bills pile up and weeks of missed work go by because of the severity of their injuries, money is often the biggest problem for victims of negligent drivers. When you are injured and in need, it seems that financial help cannot get there soon enough. If you have been in a car accident in Florida, you are probably wondering how long the insurance company has to settle your claim. Here are a few things you need to know. How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Florida? The answer to this question depends, in part, on the type of insurance policy you are filing a claim against. In Florida, we have no-fault insurance laws that allow drivers to file claims against their own personal injury protection (PIP) policy, which by law has a minimum of $10,000 of coverage. While the timeframe that policyholders can expect to …

Why Do T-Bone Car Accidents Have the Most Injuries? The Answer Is Simple and Devastating

Why Do T-Bone Car Accidents Have the Most Injuries? The Answer Is Simple and Devastating

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Vehicle Accidents

T-bone car accidents are notorious for causing severe injuries. Why does this particular type of car accident cause injuries that are so traumatic? The answer is twofold, and it is devastating: T-bone accidents usually occur at high speeds because they usually happen when one car is trying to beat a red light at an intersection. The angle of many T-bone car accidents directly impacts passengers in the other car. T-bone accidents leave little between the passenger and the significant force of the at-fault driver’s car. If the imagery this description evokes is disturbing, it’s for the best—no one should ever have to experience such an accident. Unfortunately, many people do, and they suffer the consequences—financially as well as physically—for years to come. Some suffer for the rest of their lives. Common Injuries After T-Bone Car Accidents Due to the severity of these accidents, it’s important to know what types of injuries to look out for should you ever experience one. While some severe injuries are easy to identify, some may only appear days or weeks after the accident. Here are some of the most common. Head Injuries Traumatic brain injuries are a common effect of car accidents, especially T-bone car …

Should I Sue or Settle My Car Accident Injury Claim? Here Are the Advantages of Each

Should I Sue or Settle My Car Accident Injury Claim? Here Are the Advantages of Each

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

If you have been in an automobile accident, you may be wondering if you file a lawsuit or settle your car accident injury claim. While the best choice for you depends on the details of your case, each avenue has advantages. Allow us to break it down for you. Imagine you are in the hospital with a serious injury because another driver decided that the rules of the road did not apply to them. Maybe you don’t need to imagine. The good news is that, even if you decide that you need to file a lawsuit to cover your injuries and related costs, most of the time people settle out of court. Whether you are suing the insurance company or the driver responsible for your pain and suffering, here are a few things you should know about this critical decision. Advantages of Settling Before Going to Court Settling your car accident injury claim before filing a lawsuit has certain advantages. For instance, if you need money fast to cover your bills, settling can get you the cash you need. If you decide not to file a lawsuit, you can also avoid attending multiple lengthy court appearances over several months. One …

car accident settlement

How Much Is My Car Accident Settlement Worth? It Depends on These Factors

RRBHLAWZENblogPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Everyone who is thinking of filing a claim wants to know: how much is my car accident settlement going to be worth? The answer could range drastically from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you have been in an accident and want some reassurance that you are going to be able to pay your hospital bills and get compensation for missed work, it’s best to consult with an attorney before filing a claim. Searching the internet is an excellent way to do some preliminary research on what you might be able to expect in a settlement, but the truth is, your case is vastly different from someone else’s. While they are not the only factors for you and your lawyer to consider, three common factors can determine what you can expect in an accident settlement: The severity of your injuries Damage caps Personal injury protection coverage The Severity of Your Injuries Could Affect Your Car Accident Settlement If you are new to learning about Florida’s laws, you might be surprised to know that Florida is a no-fault state. The Sunshine State’s no-fault status requires victims of car accidents to first seek coverage for injuries through their own …

Should I Try to Handle My Accident Claim without a Car Insurance Attorney?

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

For many car accident insurance claims, you should be able to go through the filing process without a problem, even if you do not consult with or hire a car insurance attorney, as long as the car insurance company acts in good faith. However, if you sustained injuries or someone close to you died as a result of an accident, your best course of action is to find an attorney you can trust to get you the justice you deserve. Here are four other reasons you should hire an attorney to take care of your claim. Your Policy Limits Might Not Be Enough to Cover Your Injuries In Florida, we operate as a no-fault insurance state, which means that each driver first must file a claim with their own insurance. While being a no-fault state makes accidents that do not result in injury or significant damage easier to handle, it also has drawbacks. For instance, when the cost of damages exceeds your insurance policy’s limits, things can get complicated. With multiple insurance policies in play and several parties trying to protect their interests, it is best to let a professional who knows how to navigate such a complex situation handle …

How to Prevent Bicycle Accidents in Key Biscayne: 8 Safety Tips for Cyclists

How to Prevent Bicycle Accidents in Key Biscayne: 8 Safety Tips for Cyclists

RRBHLAWZENblogPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Miami is notoriously dangerous for cyclists. Bicycle accidents in Key Biscayne are especially common. Here’s how to stay safe this summer. Every summer in Miami, the roads and trails seem to fill up with bicyclists. With the restrictions surrounding COVID-19 slowly fading, this year will probably see lots of people out on their bikes. One of the most popular places to ride—Key Biscayne—is likely to see a lot of increased bicycle traffic, as well. It’s no surprise, considering the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay along the way. Unfortunately, the incidence of bicycle accidents in Key Biscayne will also rise as people start to take to the roads across the Rickenbacker Causeway and throughout the island. If you plan to ride your bike this summer, whether solo or with friends and family, here are a few things you should know about staying safe. Why Accidents Happen First, it’s important to understand why bicycle accidents happen before we discuss any safety tips. Knowing what to look out for will increase your chances of avoiding injury. Some of the most common reasons that bicycles get into accidents with automobiles include: Poor cycling infrastructure Inattentive driving and riding Failure to give right of way …

In a Rear End Collision, Can I Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Hit from Behind?

In a Rear End Collision, Can I Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Hit from Behind?

RRBHLAWZENblogVehicle Accidents

When you get rear ended while driving, you might think that you can’t be held liable for the accident. In most rear end collision cases in Florida, that’s true—the rear driver is usually found to be at fault. The reason rear end accidents usually favor the driver who is struck from behind is that Florida courts use a rebuttable presumption—an assumption that stands unless another party contests it—in such car accidents. What you might not realize, though, is that in certain situations you can be held liable as the front driver. You never know when someone will hit you from behind. Here’s what you should know. When the Front Vehicle Can Be Held Responsible in a Rear End Collision In Florida, the law follows what is known as “comparative negligence” to assign liability in auto accidents. For instance, the jury in the case could find you 20% liable and the other driver 80% liable, which would reduce the compensation you would receive in a settlement. In a rear end collision, you could be assigned some or even all of the responsibility for the accident in certain situations. For example, if the evidence were to show that you were driving erratically …

motorcycle accident lawyer

Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Get My Medical Bills Paid?

RRBHLAWZENblogPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Anybody who rides knows—motorcycles are a way of life. Unfortunately, motorcycles are also dangerous, even when the handlebars are held in experienced hands. No one expects to need a motorcycle accident lawyer to help them recover compensation for their injuries, but when you are in that position, you probably want to know that your attorney is going to be able to follow through. So, can an attorney help pay your medical bills after a motorcycle accident? Absolutely. But it’s not guaranteed. For that, you need to make sure that the lawyer you hire knows what they are doing. It’s not enough that they handle auto accidents—they should be knowledgeable about motorcycle accidents specifically. Why? Because they are different. Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different It’s not just the lack of safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, that make motorcycles so much more dangerous than other vehicles. It’s also difficult to see them on the road because of their speed and their small size. Regardless of visibility, though, other motorists owe a duty of care to those they share the road with, and not seeing a motorcycle is not an excuse. The injuries that motorcyclists sustain during an accident are also …

Is There A Calculator for Pain and Suffering?

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Slip and Fall, Vehicle Accidents

Has your life been altered due to someone else’s negligence? Are you unable to work and worried about falling behind on your bills as a result? This is the unfortunate circumstance that affects many individuals who suffer an injury. They fear for their current way of living, wondering how they will be able to pay the bills during their recovery period. If this has happened to you, then you know you need to be compensated. But how much? What do you need to receive to ensure you can maintain your normal life? In this instance, many insurance adjusters will bring up what is called a pain and suffering calculator. This will give a glimpse into the expenses accrued over the recovery period as well as money lost due to their inability to work. When you’ve been injured, your pain and suffering are more than a math formula. Personal injury attorneys will look much deeper into your case to determine just how much your life has altered due to the injury—or injuries—sustained. What is a pain and suffering calculator? Ask anyone who has been injured before and they’ll tell you that their mortgage company doesn’t care that they’re out of work—they …

Holiday Safety Tips from Your Miami Personal Injury Lawyer

RRBHLAWZENblogPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Want to avoid getting hurt during the holidays? Here are some tips from a Miami personal injury lawyer. The holidays are a time of year that you should be able to enjoy with family and friends without the fear of getting hurt. Whether you are traveling across the country to visit your family, cooking dinner for thirty people in your home, or going all out on your home decorations, safety should be your first concern. Unfortunately, the holiday season is one of the busiest times for emergency rooms. So, what precautions can you take to make this one of the safest, happiest holidays ever? Our Miami personal injury lawyer team at RRBH Law has compiled a few tips that you can use to keep yourself and your family safe this winter. Safe Cooking During the Holidays Most people can agree that the food is one of the best parts of the holidays. Mom’s mashed potatoes, grandma’s apple pie, dad’s deep-fried turkey—it’s all enough to make you salivate and loosen your belt with anticipation. Safety in the kitchen should be a priority year-round, but during the holidays, when distractions are more common and large quantities of food need to be cooked, …

distracted driving in florida

Distracted Driving in Florida: 5 Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

According to the CDC, 3,450 people were killed in 2016 because of distracted driving in the United States. If that number doesn’t make you stop, then let’s consider the impact of distracted driving in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said that in 2016, 50,000 accidents happened because of distractions behind the wheel. In those accidents, 233 people died. Many others were injured. Perhaps numbers such as these are part the reason that the Florida legislature passed and DeSantis signed into law a bill that took effect July 1. The new law treats texting while driving as a primary offense, which means that law enforcement can now pull over drivers simply for texting or messing with their phone while their car is in motion. The point behind this law is to keep people safe. That’s also the point behind this blog post. What Is Distracted Driving? There are three types of distracted driving: Visual – taking your eyes off the road Manual – taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive – concentrating on things other than driving Want to avoid distracted driving and make the road a safer place for everyone? Put these simple tips into practice to help reduce distracted …

auto accident attorney

Advice from an Auto Accident Attorney: Settling a Claim

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Vehicle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you’re probably wondering about getting the compensation that you need. Hiring an auto accident attorney that can help you through the negotiation or even litigation process might not be at the top of your list of worries if you’re still trying to recover your losses, but we still want you to have the information that you need so that you can settle your claim and get back to your life. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about settling your claim. What You Need to Understand about Getting Compensation We’ve written about gathering the evidence you need to get the most from your settlement before, so we won’t reiterate that here. You can read more about that in this post and this post. Suffice it to say that you need to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can. The other driver’s insurance company wants to make as much money as possible, so if they say that you haven’t given them enough evidence to prove your claim, you could be paid less than you should be paid, or you might be denied …

Closeup of Benjamin Franklin on $100 bill no win no fee lawyer

Why Should I Hire a No Win No Fee Lawyer? 3 Reasons

RRBHLAWZENblogHomeowners' Insurance, Insurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Sexual Assault Lawyer, Vehicle Accidents

A lot of people think that they can’t afford an attorney. But what if you didn’t have to pay unless you won? That’s what a no win no fee lawyer can do for you. This is an attorney who essentially works for contingency fees. Here’s why you might want to hire one. You Get Immediate Access to Legal Advice Your initial consultation with your lawyer will be free of charge. That means you can get access to the legal advice you need right away and begin implementing the steps you need to take for a successful outcome. This is beneficial because shopping around for lawyers can prove to be a time-consuming and extensive process. The more time you wait, the more you hinder your chances of success. Since your lawyer has an incentive to go for cases that have a solid chance of winning in court, you are also receiving the benefit of honest legal advice. You Don’t Have to Pay Up Front One of the main advantages of hiring a no win no fee lawyer is that there is not an up-front investment on your part. This way, you will not have to worry about any legal bills while …

Young driver holding steering wheel

Florida Auto Accident Checklist: 3 Steps to Take Right after an Accident

RRBHLAWZENblogVehicle Accidents

Approximately 17,000 car accidents happen every day in the United States. Want to be prepared in case you experience one? Keep this Florida Auto Accident Checklist close by. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe Between 30,000 and 40,000 people in the U.S. die from auto accidents every year. The most important thing to remember after you’ve been in an accident is that cars are replaceable: people aren’t. Even after an accident that seems minor, check to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is uninjured and then ask those in the other vehicle if they need any medical attention. If any injuries are apparent, call 911 immediately and ask for emergency medical personnel. If you remember one thing from this Florida Auto Accident Checklist, this is the one to remember. Get the Documentation You Need In the confusion of a car accident, it can be easy to forget to get all the relevant information you need. Here’s what you should document after an accident: The other driver’s insurance information (company name, agent, and policy number) Photos of the accident, including damage to all vehicles involved and any property Photos of objects at the scene of the accident (skid marks, accident debris, …

raindrop closeup on car window in downtown street

6 Things to Avoid after a Car Accident

RRBHLAWZENVehicle Accidents

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how confusing and chaotic things can get. On the other hand, if you’ve never been in one, you might not know that you are responsible for certain things. Here’s what you should avoid doing after a car accident. Don’t Neglect to Report the Accident Sometimes, a car accident isn’t that serious. Maybe there was only a scratch. Maybe there’s a sizable dent in both cars, but you both agree not to call the police and file a police report because you think it’s a hassle. You’d rather let the insurance take care of it. Here’s why that’s a bad idea. It’s probable that you don’t know a thing about the other driver. Are you sure that they even have insurance? Perhaps they gave you false information, or their policy lapsed, or they don’t have proper coverage. What if they have active arrest warrants? It’s also possible that you or they were injured without realizing it. As many as one in seven people does not have car insurance, and when you get into an accident with them, you’ll be left holding the bill. Not to mention that accident reports can speed …