Minor Car Accident Attorney in Palm Coast

Palm Coast Minor Car Accident Attorney

Protecting your rights following a car accident is essential, no matter how minor the crash. Even accidents that do not cause significant injuries can lead to legal disputes. Seemingly minor car accidents can still cause injuries that may not be apparent until weeks later. Talking to a car accident lawyer after a collision can help you understand your legal options and safeguard your rights.

The Palm Coast minor car accident attorneys at Chiumento Law, PLLC, are ready to serve as your advocate and ally during this challenging time. With more than 50 years of experience, Chiumento Law, PLLC has the resources to handle both major and minor car accidents effectively. Contact us today for a free consultation. Find out how we can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

What to Do After a Minor Car Accident?

Here is what you should do to protect your rights after a minor car accident in Florida:

  • Report the crash – Florida state law requires you to report any collision with injuries or more than $500 in property damage. Having a police report to back up your account of the crash can make a big difference if the other driver files an insurance claim against you later.
  • Document the crash – Use your cellphone to take pictures of the damaged vehicles, any injuries you sustained, and any visible traffic hazards in the area where the crash occurred. It is worth looking for potential eyewitnesses or security cameras that may have recorded the incident. Ask any eyewitnesses for their contact information.
  • Get the other driver’s information – After any accident, get the other driver’s name, address, vehicle registration number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If the other driver refuses to report the accident, politely inform them that you will do ss.
  • Tell your insurance company about the accident – Many auto insurance companies require policyholders to report any accident, no matter how minor. Failure to report the collision could cause a problem with your insurance provider later. Your provider may require you to notify it even if you do not file a claim. Having a record of the crash on file can protect you if the other driver files a claim against you.
  • See a doctor – Low-speed collisions can still cause injuries. See a doctor immediately after a crash to determine whether you have injuries. If you have injuries, you will turn first to your own insurance company for coverage of your medical expenses. Florida law requires car owners to have $10,000 of personal injury protection insurance to pay for their injuries and those of their passengers, regardless of fault. Some head injuries and internal injuries may not be apparent to you. But a medical professional may recognize the symptoms. In addition to treating your injuries, your doctor’s diagnosis of your injuries documents them as occurring from the crash.
  • Stay off social media – Insurance companies may potentially use anything you post online against you after a collision to dispute the seriousness of your injuries or deny your claim. The best way to protect your rights after a crash is to avoid posting any comments or photos of the accident.
  • Do not give any statements to insurance companies – Your insurance provider or that of the other driver may contact you after the crash and ask for a statement. Saying the wrong thing could jeopardize your right to compensation. Instead, ask them to get in touch with your lawyer.
  • Speak to a car accident lawyer – A car accident attorney can gather evidence from the crash, inform you of your options, and help you seek any compensation to which you are entitled.

Minor Car Accidents in Palm Coast, FL

A significant percentage of car accidents involve no injuries and only property damage. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that of the 341,399 crashes statewide in one recent year, 198,134 – or 58 percent – caused only property damage.

At a national level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of the roughly 3.5 million crashes involving vehicles in one recent year, about 69 percent did not cause injuries.

However, even seemingly insignificant crashes can result in serious problems, including:

  • Hidden injuries – Many people involved in minor car accidents refrain from seeing a doctor because they do not think they sustained any injuries. However, not all injuries from a car accident are apparent immediately after a crash. Whiplash, sprains and strains, and certain brain injuries may take days or weeks to appear. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can lead to severe medical complications and make it harder to recover compensation.
  • Property damage – Drivers who escape without injury still have to deal with damage to their vehicle. Getting a car repaired or replaced after a crash can be a major headache, especially if the insurance company disputes the claim.
  • Personal injury claims – Sometimes, drivers involved in a minor car accident decide not to report the crash to the police or insurance companies. However, this creates a potential legal trap. Without a police report, it will be your word against the other driver’s word if a dispute arises or the other driver decides to file a claim against you. You should report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
  • Trouble with the police – Florida law requires any driver involved in a crash with injuries or more than $500 in property damage to report the accident to the police immediately. Failure to do so violates Florida traffic law and can result in fines.

Fender Bender Accidents

Minor car accidents are often referred to as fender benders for the minimal damage they cause to vehicles. However, even fender benders present the risk of injury and property damage.

What to Do in a Fender Bender?

You need to protect yourself and your rights even if you suffered no apparent injuries. Report the accident, and ask the other driver for their license and vehicle information. Take pictures of the crash scene.

Talk to a Palm Coast, personal injury lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. An attorney at Chiumento Law can review the details of your accident during a free consultation and discuss your legal options. A lawyer might tell you that your best option is to report the crash to your insurer or inform you that you have a potential personal injury claim.

Minor Car Accident Settlement Amounts

Because minor car accidents typically involve few injuries and minimal property damage, the average insurance settlement for these crashes is fairly small. In many cases, the drivers opt to pay for their own medical and repair bills to avoid an insurance claim and the increase in premiums.

It’s always a good idea to speak with a car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain your rights and whether you have a right to demand compensation from the other driver and their insurance provider. If you decide to file a claim, any compensation you might receive will depend on the following:

  • The extent of your injuries
  • The amount of money you lost from the crash
  • How much time you had to take off work
  • Your role, if any, in causing the collision

What If There Is No Police Report After a Minor Car Accident?

Police reports help establish the basic facts of an accident, such as who was involved and how the accident happened. Without a police report to back up your account of the minor crash, you could end up in a complex legal battle if the other driver files a claim against you. Don’t let another driver talk you out of contacting the police and reporting the crash. Insurance companies give weight to police accident reports when deciding whether to pay claims.

Contact a Palm Coast Car Accident Attorney Now

Have you been involved in a minor car accident? After seeing a doctor or speaking to a car repair shop, are you concerned that the accident might not have been as minor as it initially seemed? The car crash attorneys at Chiumento Law, PLLC, is ready to help you, just as we have assisted many satisfied clients. We can investigate the crash to determine if you have suffered any compensable losses and help you pursue fair compensation. You can learn more about our services through our website. We urge you to contact us today for a free consultation with a Palm Coast car accident attorney.

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Chiumento Law, PLLC has contributed to schools and other organizations that have made a difference in the community and take pride in portraying an active role in our community. Flagler and Volusia Counties hosts an array of events and we are proud to be a part of many of them!

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    Chiumento Law, PLLCAttorneys At Law

    Palm Coast

    145 City Pl #301
    Palm Coast, Florida 32164
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    Ormond Beach, FL 32174
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    Car Accident Lawyer in Ormond Beach, Florida

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