How to Get Compensation for a Minor Auto Injury in Florida

Even the most minor injuries can stay with you for long periods of time. Aside from the physical aspects of your injury, the psychological effects of an accident can be lifelong. Even if you narrowly escape death with just a few scrapes and bruises, your experiences are still serious and shocking. But how exactly do you get compensation for a “minor” injury after a Florida car accident? What is the definition of “minor” in Florida, and how do the state’s no-fault insurance laws come into play? Let’s find out.

What Constitutes a Minor Injury?

Victims may suffer a range of “minor” injuries in car accidents. These injuries typically put victims out of commission for only a few days or weeks while requiring minimal medical treatment. However, they may result in serious psychological trauma — especially if the victim experienced a near-death experience. Here are some examples of minor injuries:

• Whiplash
• Scrapes
• Minor lacerations
• Bruises
• Strained ligaments
• Dislocated joints
• Minor head injuries

Florida’s No-Fault System

Florida’s no-fault system makes it especially easy for victims to pursue compensation after car accidents — particularly if their injuries are minor. This is because there is no requirement to establish negligence when filing your claim. In other words, you don’t have to point the finger at anyone in order to get compensation. You can even file a claim after a single-vehicle accident where no one else was involved (such as crashing into a tree).

This simplified process involves turning to your PIP insurance provider and filing a claim. Your insurance provider would then provide you with compensation for your medical expenses and missed wages — up to a certain limit. For minor injuries, your policy limit might be more than enough to cover your damages.

Where PIP Falls Short

With all that said, PIP insurance cannot provide you with compensation for non-economic damages, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Pain & suffering
• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

In addition, you might not receive enough compensation if the cost of your medical expenses and missed wages go beyond your policy limit.

When Should I Hire a Lawyer?

You may still benefit from a lawyer even when filing a PIP claim for a minor injury. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and help you receive a fair settlement — even if there’s no need to prove negligence. For more serious injuries, however, it becomes imperative to work with a qualified personal injury attorney.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Florida Accident Attorney?

If you need help submitting a claim for a minor auto injury, look no further than Browning Law Firm, P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs in the Fort Walton Beach area. We know that minor injuries need attention, and we can guide you toward the compensation you require. There’s no reason you should have to pay for your medical bills, missed wages, and emotional distress out of your own pocket — even if your injuries are minor. Book your consultation today and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Sources

1. https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-man-struck-by-falling-iguana-16149545
2. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.7407.html

Browning Law Firm, P.A.

418 Racetrack Rd NE, Ste B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-344-1736

If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103