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Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Florida if You’re Not At Fault?

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful. There will be many expenses after the crash. While no-fault PIP insurance can help cover your damages, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the entire burden.

Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer David I. Fuchs has helped countless victims of accidents recover the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. When a car accident wasn’t your fault, you deserve to be “made whole” as if the accident never happened.

Call us at (954) 246-0789 or use our online form to begin your claim today

Steps to Take After a Car Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault

If you were in a crash and the accident wasn’t your fault, there are some steps you should take immediately to preserve your right to compensation.

Call 911

You need to get a police officer to the scene to complete a car accident crash report. This police report can be used when to prove the other party was negligent. The officer may also issue a citation to the at-fault driver if they violated a Florida law.

Get Medical Treatment

You should go to the emergency room or trauma center right after a crash. You need to identify all of your injuries, including those that could be hidden. This will also establish the severity of your injuries, contributing to your claim for medical bills and pain and suffering if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Document the Scene of the Accident

If you can move around the scene of the accident, take pictures and videos of everything. Document property damage to the cars, injuries experienced by all parties, weather, signs, road markings, and anything else that might be relevant to your claim.

Get Information from Other Drivers and Witnesses

You should get names and contact information from all drivers involved in the crash, including the driver who was at fault. If you fail to get information for the at-fault driver, you may not be able to hold them liable. Collect information from any bystanders and eyewitnesses as well.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Many insurance companies require you to notify them of a crash within 24 hours after the incident. This is important if you want to use your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover your medical bills and lost wages. PIP also requires that you get medical treatment within 14 days of the crash.

Contact a No-Fault Attorney

You might wonder, “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t my fault?” The answer is “yes.” Your car accident attorney can communicate with the insurance company for you and guide you through the personal injury legal process.

If you have to file a lawsuit, a lawyer will be vital in helping you go through the complex discovery process and taking your case to trial.

What It Takes to Prove the Crash Wasn’t Your Fault

Many of the steps you took at the scene of the accident will help you prove that the crash you were involved wasn’t your fault.

Police Report

The crash report will describe what the police officer saw when they arrived at the accident scene. It will also have statements from drivers and witnesses. It can be used to prove the other driver caused the crash.

Pictures and Video of the Scene

The images taken at the scene of the accident immediately after the crash will be essential when you’re trying to prove negligence. Even if the cause isn’t apparent, an accident reconstruction expert can use the images to determine what happened and who is at fault.

Eyewitness Statements

The discovery process will involve getting statements from bystanders, eyewitnesses, other drivers, and passengers. These first-hand accounts of what happened will be essential in proving the crash wasn’t your fault.

Partner with a Car Accident Lawyer

An experienced car accident attorney will know how to prove negligence under Florida personal injury law. They can gather all the information and use it to support your claims.
You should work with an attorney with plenty of experience with cases like yours – where the fault lies with the other party.

The Crash Wasn’t My Fault: What Does Insurance Cover?

Florida has a no-fault law that requires drivers to turn to their own car insurance for coverage for a certain percentage of medical bills and lost wages. The no-fault insurance, called “PIP,” will also offer death benefits if your family member received fatal injuries in a crash that was not their fault. However, PIP does not cover everything.

The at-fault driver is required to have property damage liability to pay for damage to your car. That means the other party’s auto insurer will have to pay for your property damage.

If you have damages that exceed what insurance companies will cover, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Things to Consider with a Car Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault

If you were involved in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for everything yourself. However, because of the way Florida’s insurance statutes are set up, your own insurance company will likely cover many of your expenses. There is a way to make the other party pay for property damage and losses above and beyond what the insurance companies will pay – a personal injury lawsuit.

Here are some other things to consider if you’re in a crash that isn’t your fault:

  • Florida is a comparative negligence state. That means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover a certain percentage of damages.
  • You should keep a file with all your crash-related documents, including medical bills and records, proof of lost wages, employment benefits used, and other damages.
  • You should tell your employer about the crash right away to get enough time off to recover from your injuries.
  • You have a right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
  • Don’t accept an insurance company’s initial “lowball” settlement offer. Let your attorney negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Your case could take over a year to resolve; however, you will have options to pay for medical bills and lost wages in the meantime (such as PIP insurance).

A Car Accident Lawyer Is Here After a Crash That Wasn’t Your Fault

Car accident claims can be complex in Florida. You will have to juggle your own insurance company, the at-fault party’s insurance company, health insurance companies, and other entities. The goal is to get enough money to make you whole again as if the crash never happened.

Attorney David I. Fuchs knows that money does not make everything better, but it can help you cover expenses while you try to return to everyday life.

Call us today at (954) 246-0789 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
Google Review
“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
Google Review
“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
Google Review
“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
Google Review
“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
Google Review