No one likes to think about the possibility of being in a car accident, but it’s important to understand the laws surrounding them if it does happen. If you are involved in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, there are several legal facts that you should know before filing any claims or taking any action. 

Knowing these facts can help ensure that your rights and best interests are protected during this difficult time.

Therefore, here is an overview of eight legal facts everyone should be aware of when dealing with a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Filing a police report after an accident

According to St. Petersburg law, any car accident involving injuries or property damage greater than $500 must be reported to the police within 10 days of the incident occurring. Failing to do so can cause you financial and legal problems in the future. If you don’t have the police report, then your insurance company won’t pay for the damages.

Additionally, if you wait 30 days or more to report the accident, the police officer may not be able to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. In that case, you’ll have to provide additional evidence to prove your innocence or culpability.

The importance of a lawyer

Car accident cases are complex, and Florida’s laws can be difficult to understand. Working with an experienced St. Petersburg-based car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout it all. A lawyer can also help you build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement if you decide to pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurer.

In this case, a lawyer can provide valuable advice on how to respond if the other driver’s insurer attempts to deny or delay your claim. Since these companies are in the business of making money, they will do whatever they can to protect their bottom line.

Additionally, a lawyer can also provide invaluable assistance if you are ever accused of negligence in an auto accident. If the other driver files a lawsuit against you, your lawyer can help build your defense to ensure that any potential damages awarded are kept to a minimum.

A no-fault system

This system means that regardless of who caused the accident, you are required to file a report with your injury protection (PIP) insurer and use their coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. You have 14 days from the date of the accident to file this claim. If necessary, you can then pursue a negligence claim with the other driver’s insurer. You can replace your windows at Windshield Replacement at affordable price.

A no-fault system means that you cannot sue for pain and suffering unless certain conditions are met—such as serious injuries and high medical costs. These conditions are outlined in Section 627.737 of the Florida Statutes.

The importance of gathering evidence

Gathering evidence is important no matter what type of car accident you have been in. Photos, witness testimony, and medical records can all be used to prove liability in an accident. Additionally, you should keep any emails or other correspondence with the other driver’s insurance company. This evidence can be used to support your case if the insurer attempts to deny, delay, or undervalue your claim.

However, be sure not to post anything related to the accident on social media. These posts can be used against you in court and could potentially result in a dismissal of your case.

Understanding comparative negligence

If both parties are found to be at fault in an accident, Florida uses a “comparative negligence” rule to determine who is liable for the damages. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault, then your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you were 25% responsible for the accident and the other party was 75% responsible, then any compensation you receive would be reduced by 25%. It is important to note that if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, then you cannot pursue a claim against the other driver.

Statute of limitations

The statute of limitations for property damage claims arising from a car accident is five years in the state of Florida. That means you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe if you wish to pursue compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs. Keep in mind that insurance companies typically have their deadlines and requirements that must be met to file a claim, so contact them as soon as possible after the accident.

Additionally, if you are the victim of an uninsured motorist, you may have only three years to pursue a legal claim. It’s important to act quickly and consult with an attorney right away in these situations so that your rights are protected.

Punitive damages

In a car accident case, punitive damages may be awarded to the plaintiff in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish wrongdoers for their actions and deter them from engaging in similar behaviors in the future.

They can be quite substantial but are only available if it can be shown that the defendant acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for the safety of others. In St. Petersburg, Florida, punitive damages are generally limited to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000—whichever is greater.

However, it is important to note that punitive damages can be quite difficult to obtain and may require the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in St. Petersburg, there are certain rights that you must know and understand to protect yourself. These include the right to seek medical care, the right to file a claim with your insurance company, and the right to pursue any negligence claims against another driver’s insurer. Furthermore, you should understand Florida’s comparative negligence rules and know what evidence is needed to prove liability in an accident.

Additionally, it is important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are fully protected. With their knowledge and experience, they can help you build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement if necessary.