Automobile Accidents
The automobile accident attorneys of Gallagher Keenan, P.A. offer legal assistance and representation for plaintiffs and defendants involved in auto accidents in the surrounding Bradenton, FL area. If you are involved in an automobile accident, consider these issues:
- • What to Do and Not to Do After an Accident
• Florida Car Accident Pain & Suffering Damages
What To Do And Not To Do After An Accident
Visit a Physician - First, get checked by a doctor. Even if you’re feeling fine, you may have suffered an injury during the accident. There are many latent injuries and they can get worse if not diagnosed and treated by a doctor. It's also important in case you determine at a later date that your injuries stem from the accident. Sometimes because of the way injuries develop, pain can begin a few days later, or even longer. If you’re not seen by a doctor it will be much harder to prove that your injury occurred because of the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company - After you see a physician, contact your insurance company. They will need to start their investigation. If you have not already done so this would be a good time to call an attorney.
What Shouldn’t You Do After an Auto Accident - Many people, good natured and honest as they are, make the mistake of co-operating a bit too much with their insurance companies. Because this can pose a problem, the best thing to do after receiving medical attention is to call a auto accident lawyer who practices in Bradenton. Let the professionals handle the insurance companies. Do not make any admission of guilt. Instead, seek advice from the auto accident lawyers at the Gallagher Keenan law firm.
Florida Car Accident Pain & Suffering Damages
There are various damages for pain and suffering. Generally, damages refer to the amount of money that can be awarded to you after proving that someone else’s negligence caused you harm.
“No-Fault” States - In the case of a state like Florida, which is classified as a “no fault” state, each individual seeks compensation from their own insurance company rather than just from the one who caused the harm or injury.
Types of damages that can be sought are both economic and non-economic. Pain and suffering, loss of companionship and service are damages that fall under non-economic damages. Economic damages include, but are not limited to, compensation for medical expenses and future loss of income.
Auto Insurance Requirements - As a no-fault state, every driver is required to carry insurance that covers their own injuries. A standard policy will cover your medical expenses and sometimes loss of wages. After exhausting your policy, then the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident will have to cover the rest of the damages. In exchange for these insurance company payments, the drivers give up their right to sue, except in the most serious of personal injuries (ie, brain damage, death, etc.) due to a car accident.
