Car Accidents

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Fault is determined by reviewing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and accident scene details. In some cases, insurance companies may also conduct their own investigations to assign liability.

Stay at the scene, check for injuries, call 911 for medical help and police, exchange information with the other driver, gather evidence (photos, witness contacts), and report the accident to your insurance company.

Yes, especially if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or disputes about fault. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can help with insurance claims.

In Washington DC, there is no explicit statutory requirement mandating that you must call the police after a car accident. However, case law suggests that failing to report an accident to the police can have significant implications, particularly in the context of insurance claims.

Yes, in Florida, you must call the police after an accident if it results in injury, death, or significant vehicle damage (over $500). A police report can help document the accident, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Even in minor accidents, it’s often a good idea to contact law enforcement for an official record.

Yes, you should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you’re not at fault. Failing to do so could delay or affect your claim.

Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved, including witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

In Florida, the general statute of limitations for filing an accident claim is two years from the date of the injury.

In Washington DC, you generally have six months to file an accident claim for unliquidated damages to person or property. 

In Florida, If the at-fault party lacks insurance, you may pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if you have it. You may also consider filing a lawsuit against the individual.

In Washington DC, if the defendant in a personal injury claim does not have insurance in the District of Columbia, the plaintiff has several legal options. One option is to file a claim under the District of Columbia No-Fault statute, which allows victims to seek compensation for personal injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents. This statute provides for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, which cover medical and rehabilitation expenses, work loss, and funeral benefits. Additionally, the plaintiff can file a claim with their own insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage if they have such coverage.

You can claim damages for vehicle repair or replacement, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the other driver acted recklessly.

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault is assessed based on the degree of negligence of each party. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

In Washington DC, the contributory negligence doctrine applies, meaning that if the plaintiff is found to have contributed to their injury in any way, they are barred from recovering damages 

Insurers consider the cost of vehicle repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and the severity of injuries. They may also factor in the limits of your policy and any comparative fault.

If your claim is denied, review the reason and gather additional evidence and file an appeal. 

While it’s not always necessary, having a lawyer is beneficial if you’ve been seriously injured, fault is disputed, or the insurance company offers a low settlement. An attorney can help protect your rights and negotiate a fair settlement.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage (usually 25-40%) of your settlement or judgment.

It’s common for some injuries (like whiplash or internal injuries) to surface later. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear, and report the new injuries to your insurance company to include them in your claim.

Truck accidents are often more complicated due to federal regulations, larger insurance policies, and the involvement of trucking companies. Multiple parties, including the truck driver, the company, and even the truck manufacturer, could be liable.

Yes, motorcycle accidents may involve different helmet laws, lane-splitting regulations, and insurance requirements.

In Florida, an employer can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of its employee if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.

In Washington DC, the doctrine of respondeat superior allows an employer to be held liable for the actions of an employee if those actions occur within the scope of employment

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, report the incident to the police and your insurance company immediately. If the driver isn’t found, you may be able to file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage, if available.

The time to settle a claim can range from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial.

Yes, you can claim compensation for lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries. This may include current lost income and future earning potential if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.