Car Accident Injuries

The Villages Car Accident Law Firm for Residents Injured in Motor Vehicle Collisions

Car accidents often result in serious injuries. Collisions with vehicles are dangerous, even at low speeds, leading to painful, debilitating injuries for drivers and passengers. After a crash, seek medical and legal help promptly. Contact our The Villages car accident law firm to immediately discuss your recovery with an attorney.

Your Injuries and Your Right to Just Compensation After a Car Accident in The Villages

If you are injured in a car accident, Florida law gives you clear legal rights. However, to an extent, your legal rights depend on the severity of the injuries you sustained.

Understanding Florida’s “No Fault” Insurance Law

Florida is a “no-fault” auto insurance state. All insured drivers and passengers are entitled to insurance coverage, regardless of who caused their injuries. If you have auto insurance, this “no-fault” coverage is provided under your policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) portion.

However, PIP coverage offers limited benefits. Most people have $10,000 in minimum PIP coverage, which only covers medical expenses and lost income. If costs exceed your PIP coverage or you suffer other losses, determine if you can file a fault-based claim.

Can “Significant” and “Permanent” Injuries Support Claims Outside of PIP?

In The Villages, filing a fault-based auto insurance claim outside of PIP after a car accident requires proof of a “significant” or “permanent” injury. Under Florida law, this includes injuries that:

What Qualifies for Fault-Based Claims?

Florida law doesn’t define specific injuries as “significant” or “permanent” for auto insurance purposes. Instead, claims depend on the severity and impact of injuries. Common injuries that support fault-based claims outside of PIP include:

• Abdominal Injuries: Caused by trauma or twisting, leading to organ or tissue damage. Treatment ranges from rest to surgery.
• Back Injuries: Includes spinal cord damage, causing chronic pain, paralysis, or long-term effects.
• Brain Injuries: Includes concussions, TBIs, hemorrhages, and other brain trauma.
• Broken Bones: Fractures from crashes often require extensive treatment.
• Burns: Result from friction, fires, or chemicals, ranging from first to fourth-degree.
• Chest Injuries: Common injuries include fractured ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding.
• Facial Injuries: Caused by glass, debris, or airbags, leading to scarring, jaw fractures, or other damage.
• Neck Injuries: Includes whiplash, nerve damage, and other internal injuries.
• Organ Damage & Internal Bleeding: Damaged organs or internal bleeding often require emergency care.
• Severe Lacerations & Swelling: Cuts and bruises may leave scars and require treatment to prevent complications.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Tears in ligaments or muscles may need surgery, often causing permanent limitations.

Regardless of Your Injuries, You Should Consult a Car Accident Attorney

Regardless of the severity of your injuries and the cause of your accident, it is always important to consult with an attorney after a car accident. Even securing PIP coverage can prove difficult; and, if you are entitled to fault-based compensation, you will need to engage experienced legal counsel to recover the full compensation you deserve.

At Whittel & Melton, LLC, we are more than happy to review your case, and our lawyers can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Contact our The Villages car accident law firm today if you are looking for an experienced and compassionate legal team and learn why local residents have trusted our attorneys for decades.

Speak with an Attorney at The Villages Car Accident Law Firm

Would you like to discuss your car accident with a local attorney? If so, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To schedule an appointment at our law firm’s offices in The Villages, please call 352-369-5334 or tell us how you prefer to be contacted online today.