There is no doubt in my mind that if you are reading this article it is because you are the type of person who likes to be informed before making a decision. That’s OK… me too. Deciding what to do after an auto accident is a big decision. There are 3 things you need to worry about from the start. They are; getting treatment for your injuries, getting your car fixed and making sure you can pay your medical bills. I suggest you address the issues in the order I have listed them.
So you are injured…where do you turn for help. If you did not go to the hospital to see a Doctor then I suggest you start by seeing your primary care Physician. Even if your Physician cannot directly treat your injuries, he/she can usually direct you to the type of Doctor you need with a referral. If you did go to the emergency room and see a Doctor then you should follow that Doctor’s recommendations and referrals. In most accident cases the injuries a minor. They consist of sprained or strained muscles which can be treated with physical therapy or Chiropractic treatment. If your injuries are more serious you may need to see a Neurologist or Orthopedist. You should follow your Treatment Provider’s recommendations to ensure that you heal quickly and properly.
What about your damaged vehicle you ask? It is your duty to report the accident to your insurance company even if it is the fault of another. If you don’t you could lose valuable coverage. Your Insurance Company, your Lawyer or you may make the property damage claim to the at fault driver’s insurance. If the at fault driver does not have property damage coverage, or the coverage is not enough for your damage, then you can make a claim to your own property damage insurance. The insurance companies will send property damage adjusters to your vehicle for an estimate. They will usually send the vehicle to a body shop or mechanic as well. You may also get your own estimate if you wish. The estimate should then be presented to the applicable insurance companies who will usually agree to pay you the amount of one of the estimates in the form of a check written to you and/or your lien holder. If the car is totaled you will have to fight the insurance company for the full value of the car. Remember, if you don’t like what they are offering you, consult a Lawyer. Your insurance may allow for a rental car for the time it takes to repair or replace your car.
The final challenge is making sure your medical bills get paid. Every driver in Florida is required to carry PIP (personal injury protection) insurance. This insurance covers up to $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages. This is always your first choice for paying your auto accident related bills. Your second choice is your health insurance. Unlike PIP, you have to pay your health insurance back from you settlement at the end of your case. This is called subrogation. Your Lawyer can issue a Letter of Protection to your Health Care Providers which says if they take care of you now that they will get paid when you recover from the at fault driver’s insurance.
In closing I would like to say that I always recommend getting a Lawyer. A good Injury Lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure that you make informed decisions. The Lawyer can also help manage your medical bills and in many instances reduce them. The are hundreds of studies out there that show that Injury Attorneys recover enough money to cover their fees and still put more money in your pocket than you can by yourself. Most Injury Attorneys work on a contingency fee which means if you don’t win you don’t have to pay them.
