Each year, thousands of Florida residents suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. A car accident can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses, weeks of lost wages, permanent disability, and emotional trauma—all of which can be difficult to recover from without financial support. If you are injured in a Florida car accident, the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help. Our Clearwater car accident attorneys can represent you in your claim and advocate aggressively for your right to compensation.
Why Choose Us
Our firm has over 60 years of experience in personal injury law and have handled all types of motor vehicle collisions, from rear-end collisions to complex, multi-car accidents.
Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our clients. We are committed to securing maximum compensation in your case.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability. If we do not secure compensation in your case, you will not be charged legal fees.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida is a no-fault accident state, a system that is meant to simplify the process for minor car accidents. In essence, drivers in most collisions in Florida deal with their own insurance company rather than file a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. All Florida drivers must carry no-fault insurance and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses and other financial losses up to $10,000. The no-fault and PIP system is intended to expedite minor accident claims and reduce the time it takes for policyholders to be reimbursed or have their vehicles repaired.
However, when significant property damage or injuries are involved, the process can be very confusing. If you sustain serious injuries in your collision, PIP benefits will likely be extremely inadequate. Our attorneys can file a lawsuit on your behalf against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for medical treatment and lost wages. Additionally, if you suffer significant injury or one that exceeds your PIP policy limits, we may be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Clearwater Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Clearwater, Florida, it is important to remain calm and take action as soon as possible. Take the following steps to seek help and preserve evidence for your future claim.
Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. Collect the responding officer’s name and badge number so you can find the report on a later date.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel injured. You may have internal injuries or shock may be numbing the pain. Save all records related to your injuries and treatment.
If you are able to move around the accident site without putting yourself in danger or at risk of further injury, document evidence at the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the area around the accident.
Exchange contact, insurance, and license information with the other driver at the scene of the accident. Keep your interaction brief.
If there are any witnesses in the area, ask them for their names and contact information for use in your future claim.
After you receive treatment, contact an attorney at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner as soon as possible to discuss your case and legal options.
If you are injured in a Florida car accident, you have the right to recover financial compensation. In these situations, the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation and strategize your next steps with a Clearwater car accident lawyer.
