The coronavirus is currently having a major effect on the lives of Floridians. Businesses are closed, tension is high, and people are struggling. With life currently on hold for most people in Florida, many who have recently suffered injuries in car accidents are wondering what effect COVID-19 will have on their claims. The good news is that anyone in Florida suffering from car accident injuries may still file a claim to receive financial compensation. That being said, if you were recently injured in a Florida car accident, you should be aware of the ways in which the coronavirus may impact your case. Below is an overview of how to deal with your car accident claim in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is almost always necessary following a car accident, even if it’s just to confirm that you haven’t suffered any injuries. Medical treatment is also required to obtain the maximum amount in personal injury protection coverage from your auto insurer. Therefore, if you’ve recently been in an automobile accident, you shouldn’t let the coronavirus stop you from seeking medical treatment. However, if hospitals and healthcare facilities become overwhelmed with coronavirus patients, there is a possibility that you may be turned away. If this happens, you should immediately contact a Florida personal injury attorney for guidance. And if you are concerned about the risk of contracting the coronavirus at the hospital, keep in mind that most health care facilities are currently enforcing social distancing and sanitation policies to reduce the risk of contraction.
Car Insurance Premiums
The coronavirus pandemic has devastated the economy, and many people are unable to make their car insurance payments. This has resulted in more uninsured drivers on the road in Florida than usual. Due to the increase in uninsured drivers, you should review your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to ensure that it’s adequate to account for the increased risk of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Although this may not help you if you’ve already been in a car accident, it can help protect you in the future.
Court Procedures
Courts all over the country are having to make changes due to COVID-19. For example, many courts are limiting their hours or conducting hearings remotely. Therefore, if you’ve recently been injured in a Florida car accident, you shouldn’t wait until the pandemic ends to initiate your case.
Insurance Companies
Finally, as noted above, the insurance industry has seen a decline in profits due to people opting to withhold their insurance payments until the pandemic ends. A possible result of this is that insurance companies may be even less likely than usual to offer fair settlements to car accident victims. Therefore, in order to ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement.
Get the Financial Compensation You Deserve!
If you have recently suffered a car accident injury in Florida, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney on your side. Located in Pensacola, Florida, Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., has over seventy years of combined experience representing automobile accident victims in Northwest Florida and Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident in Northwest Florida, please contact our office as soon as possible to set up a consultation with one of our talented Florida car accident attorneys.
Posted in: Auto Accidents