Frequently asked questions about accidents in Florida
Clear answers to the most common questions after an accident: what to do, what insurance covers, how much an attorney costs, and how much time you have to file a claim.
What you should know after an
accident in Florida
A crash is a traumatic experience, especially if you suffered serious injuries. That is why it is so important to know your rights and the laws that protect you.
Many accidents occur due to aggressive or distracted drivers, those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those who fall asleep at the wheel. If this happened to you in Tampa Bay or anywhere in Florida, call us: we provide free guidance in Spanish and connect you with the right Hispanic attorney for your case. We know how difficult it is to recover while simultaneously dealing with insurance companies.
Is your case different?
Call us and we will provide guidance in Spanish, at no cost.
About our service
It is the brand of La Liga Latina Legal focused on people who have suffered an accident. We listen to you in Spanish and connect you with the right personal injury attorney for your case.
No. We are a referral service, not a law firm. La Liga Latina Legal is registered with The Florida Bar as a Qualified Provider, which allows us to connect you with appropriate attorneys for your case.
Nothing. Our referral service has no cost to you, and the initial consultation with the attorney is also free.
Based on the type of accident and what you need. Whenever possible, we connect you with an attorney who speaks your language.
Yes. Our entire team speaks Spanish, from start to finish.
Yes. We use your data only to guide you and connect you with the right attorney.
Yes. Through La Liga Latina Legal, we can also guide you in family, criminal, immigration, and other legal matters. Call us and we will tell you how we can help.
After the accident
Make sure everyone is safe and receives medical help. Then document the scene: take photos of the vehicles, surrounding damage, injuries, traffic signs, and the street. Write down the license plates of all vehicles and the insurance information of the other drivers. Ask the police officer when and where you can get the report. Ask for the names and phone numbers of witnesses and note nearby businesses that may have cameras. Then, call us.
Ask the officer for their name and badge number as evidence that they attended the accident scene. Keep that information along with your photos.
In Florida, you must report accidents involving injuries or significant damage. Even if it seems minor, the police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence for your case.
Yes. Many injuries, such as those to the neck or back, appear days later. Additionally, to use your PIP insurance, you must receive medical attention within 14 days of the accident.
It is the deadline set by Florida law to receive medical attention after a car accident if you want to use your PIP insurance benefits.
It is best not to give recorded statements or sign anything before speaking with an attorney. What you say can be used to reduce your compensation.
Before accepting or signing, consult with an attorney. Initial offers often do not cover your future medical expenses or the full impact of your injuries.
Write down the name of the hospital or clinic and the doctors who treated you. Keep all documents related to the accident, including letters or emails from the insurance company.
Keep everything: the police report, photos, the other driver’s information, your policy, correspondence with the insurance company, and receipts from doctors, pharmacies, and laboratories. Also keep a record of the wages you lost due to the accident.
Insurance and PIP
It is Personal Injury Protection that Florida requires on all auto policies. It covers you after an accident, regardless of who was at fault: it generally pays 80% of necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit.
Up to $10,000. If a doctor does not determine that you had an emergency medical condition, the benefit may be limited to $2,500. And if you do not receive medical attention within 14 days of the accident, the insurance company can refuse to pay, and you would have to cover those expenses yourself.
If your injuries are serious or permanent, you can file a claim against the responsible driver for expenses that PIP does not cover and for pain and suffering. An attorney will review if your case qualifies.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance. An attorney will review what other options you have.
Usually, the responsible driver’s property damage insurance. You can also use your collision coverage, if you have it.
It depends on your coverage. Sometimes it is paid by the responsible party’s insurance or your own policy, if it includes rental coverage.
If you do not have auto insurance, in many cases, the PIP of a relative you live with or that of the vehicle involved may apply. An attorney will help you identify it.
Attorneys, fees, and your case
If you were injured in a crash, whether in a car or on a motorcycle, it is worth getting guidance. Call us: we will review your situation at no cost and, if applicable, connect you with a Hispanic accident attorney who can explain your rights.
The attorneys in our network work on a contingency basis: they charge a percentage only if they recover money for you, and their fees are deducted from that money. If they do not recover anything, you do not owe them fees.
No. The consultation is free and you do not pay fees upfront. Ask your attorney how case costs are handled.
It depends on your injuries, your expenses, the available insurance, and who was at fault. No one can promise you an amount; the attorney will give you an idea after reviewing your case.
The amount is calculated based on several factors, including: medical and hospital bills (past and future), lost wages (past and future), pain and suffering, emotional distress and trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and any impairment the accident left you with. Your attorney uses all this information to build your claim.
It varies. Some cases are resolved in months and others take longer, especially if the injuries require long-term treatment or if the case goes to court.
Every case is different, but it usually involves these stages: 1) you recover until the doctor indicates you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement; 2) your attorney sends the medical bills and proof of lost wages to the insurance company; 3) an adjuster reviews the case and makes an offer; 4) if it is not adequate, your attorney submits a counteroffer; 5) if a fair agreement is not reached, the case may go to court.
Not always. Many cases are resolved through negotiation with the insurance company. If a fair agreement is not reached, the attorney may take your case to court.
Yes. The attorneys in our network keep you informed with frequent updates on your case.
We will tell you honestly. Even if we cannot refer you, we will try to guide you on where you can go.
Florida deadlines and laws
For most accidents occurring since March 24, 2023, the general statute of limitations to sue for negligence in Florida is 2 years. There are exceptions, so it is advisable to speak with an attorney soon.
Yes, if your fault is 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced according to your percentage. If you are more than 50% at fault, you might not receive compensation.
The family may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. These cases also have deadlines, so it is best to call as soon as possible.
No. In Florida, PIP does not cover motorcycle accidents. Therefore, you must look for other coverages, such as the responsible driver’s insurance, your UM, or your MedPay.
Motorcyclists over 21 years old can ride without a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical benefit coverage. Not wearing a helmet does not take away your right to file a claim.
Because evidence is lost, witnesses forget, and deadlines run out. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better protected your case will be.
Special situations
In general, your immigration status does not prevent you from filing a claim for your injuries in Florida. Discuss your situation with the attorney with confidence.
You may still have the right to file a claim if the other driver caused the accident. Every case is different; tell the attorney everything so they can guide you.
Yes. Injured passengers can file a claim, regardless of which driver was at fault.
These companies have special insurance policies. We connect you with an attorney who is familiar with these cases.
Call the police immediately and write down everything you remember about the vehicle. Your PIP and your UM coverage can help you.
Yes. If you are hospitalized or unable to speak, a relative can contact us to start the process.
Didn't find your question?
Write to us and a member of our team will respond in Spanish. If it is urgent, call us at (813) 503-0212.
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The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Centro de Ayuda para Accidentes is a referral service and is not a law firm. Each case depends on its facts.