Car Accident Lawyer No Injury? Know Your Legal Options - JLG

Do I Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer if I’m Not Injured?

Attorneys clarify when to hire a personal injury lawyer if you were not injured in an accident.

Summary

• You don’t necessarily need to hire a car accident lawyer in Florida if you didn’t suffer any injuries in the crash.
• Hiring a personal injury lawyer if you’re not injured may make sense if you later discover you’re hurt, a passenger suffered injuries, your car sustained damage, there are disagreements about liability, etc.
• Even if you’re not hurt, a Florida personal injury attorney can assist with your case in many different ways, including advising you of your legal options and negotiating with insurance companies.

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Contacting an attorney if you were hurt in a car accident is the sensible thing to do, but you may wonder, “Do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer if I’m not injured?”

Below, we’ll address whether a car accident lawyer is necessary if there is no injury. As experienced personal injury attorneys, our team at Jones Law Group can offer you the quality legal representation you need to seek fair compensation.

We are here to support you in bringing a no-injury claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company after a Florida car accident, or even taking a car accident lawsuit to court. 

Contact our team at (727) 571-1333 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer for No Injury Cases

There were 394,826 auto accidents in 2023 in the state of Florida. An estimated 252,217 caused injuries, and 3,419 were fatal, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That still leaves a substantial number of car accidents where no one was hurt.

Generally, it’s unnecessary to hire a Florida personal injury lawyer if the crash didn’t cause you physical or emotional harm. However, there may be some situations that warrant hiring a car accident lawyer even though you have no injury.

Reasons Why You May Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Even if You Are Uninjured

As any seasoned Florida car accident lawyer will tell you, it is possible to recover compensation for damages in specific no-injury scenarios. If one or more of the following apply to your case, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer about what to do next.

You Suffered Delayed Onset Car Accident Injuries

Accident victims often believe a wreck didn’t hurt them immediately following a crash. However, serious injuries, like brain bleeds, may have delayed symptoms. Thus, you may need to hire an attorney if your health condition changes post-collision to deal with sizable medical bills.

A Passenger Suffered Catastrophic Injuries in the Crash

Hiring a car accident attorney may be unnecessary if you didn’t suffer injuries. However, it may be essential if one of your passengers, like a child or spouse, did. Minors, for example, cannot enter into contracts. You, as their parent, may need to sign the representation agreement yourself on their behalf.

Your Property Sustained Significant Damage

If your car or property sustained damage in the crash, contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you recover compensation to make necessary repairs or recover your losses.

Liability Determinations Didn’t Go as You Anticipated

Florida is a no-fault state. You’d typically tap into your own personal injury protection (PIP) to pay for your crash-related losses. However, if your losses exceed that coverage amount, you may need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer. Securing a settlement may be challenging if you two see liability differently.

There are Bad Faith Insurance Practices at Play

Delays in processing or failing to investigate claims thoroughly are both examples of underhanded tactics insurers engage in to avoid paying on potentially viable car crash claims — even ones where no one was hurt.

In all of the situations above, someone, like a motorist involved in a crash, may initially believe getting a car accident lawyer is unnecessary since there are no injuries. However, their health status may change, or there may be other situations where getting an attorney involved makes sense.

What Is the Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Florida Auto Accident Claims?

If you’re wondering why you hire a personal injury lawyer even if you’re not injured, it comes down to the guidance and support they can provide. For example, here at Jones Law Group, we regularly assist clients with the following:

Advising Clients of Their Rights

After a car accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial. A Florida car accident lawyer can guide you through this complex process, ensuring that you are aware of what you should and should not do after an auto accident, especially when dealing with insurance companies. 

It’s important to know that anything you say to insurers can significantly impact your case. A seasoned attorney will help you navigate these interactions, preventing you from inadvertently harming your claim.

Gathering Evidence to Make Liability Determinations

One of the most critical aspects of building a strong car accident case is gathering evidence. A skilled lawyer will collect all necessary documentation and information to establish liability.

This includes photographs of the accident scene, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Properly collected evidence can make a significant difference in determining who is at fault and securing the compensation you deserve.

Advising on Applicable Laws

Motor vehicle accident cases are governed by specific laws that vary from state to state. In Florida, a car accident lawyer will provide you with expert advice on these laws and how they apply to your case. 

This includes understanding no-fault insurance requirements, statutes of limitations, and the state’s comparative negligence rules. By having a firm grasp of these legal principles, your lawyer can better advocate for your rights and interests.

Detailing Legal Options for Compensation

Victims of car accidents often suffer a range of losses, from property damage to bodily injuries. A knowledgeable attorney will outline the various legal avenues available to you for recovering compensation.

This might include filing a claim for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. By clearly understanding these options, you can make informed decisions about the best path forward.

Negotiating Settlements

Insurance companies are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, which often means offering minimal settlements to accident victims. An experienced car accident lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, will negotiate on your behalf.

Their goal is to seek a fair settlement that accurately reflects the extent of your losses. They possess the skills and knowledge to counter low-ball offers and push for a resolution that meets your needs.

Identifying Insurance Bad Faith

Sometimes, insurance companies engage in bad faith practices, such as unjustly denying claims or delaying payments. A Florida car accident lawyer can identify these tactics and take appropriate action.

They will hold insurers accountable, ensuring that they fulfill their contractual obligations. By having a professional advocate on your side, you can better protect your rights and secure the compensation you qualify for.

The list above is far from exhaustive. However, it provides some insight into a car accident lawyer’s role, even when clients report no injury at the onset. Thus, even if you haven’t suffered any apparent physical and emotional harm in a crash, a legal representative can still be of value to you in your case.

Seeking the Assistance of a Car Accident Lawyer if No Injury Is Apparent

The aftermath of a personal injury incident like an auto collision can be a bit overwhelming to deal with. Even if you don’t have car accident injuries, you may have a vehicle that needs repairs or is completely totaled. 

You may need to have an adjuster check it, run over to a mechanic, or visit a rental car company. Other errands may include a trip to an auto dealer and governmental tag and title agencies to buy a new car, register it, and get a license plate for it.

Another potential scenario is that a loved one was hurt in the car crash even though you were not. Either way, you will likely need to file an insurance claim.

That may mean lengthy communications with an insurance company, especially if the insurer is denying liability or acting in bad faith. You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on the phone, trying to get answers and resolutions.

All of these responsibilities can become time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Personal injury lawyers can help shoulder some of the burdens of handling a car accident with no injuries.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Florida

When you’re involved in a car accident in Florida, it’s crucial to be aware of the legal timelines that dictate your ability to file a lawsuit. This critical timeline is known as the statute of limitations. 

In Florida, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline typically results in the court dismissing your case, potentially leaving you without legal recourse.

Exceptions to the Rule for Filing a Car Accident Claim

While the two-year deadline is firm, there are exceptions where the court might consider extending this period. For instance, if the victim is a minor or if injuries emerge only after some time has passed since the accident, a judge might grant an extension.

These exceptions are not guaranteed and usually require compelling justification.

Strategic Timing for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Working with a knowledgeable car accident attorney can be invaluable in navigating these legal waters. A lawyer can help determine the optimal moment to file a car accident lawsuit.

While adhering to the statute of limitations is crucial, it’s equally important not to rush into settling a claim before fully understanding the long-term impacts of the injuries sustained. 

An experienced attorney will help balance these considerations, ensuring your claim is both timely and comprehensive.

Additional Time-Sensitive Considerations

Aside from the statute of limitations, there’s another critical deadline to keep in mind. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance laws mandate that you seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. 

Failing to meet this requirement could lead to your insurance claim being denied. Prompt medical evaluation not only fulfills legal obligations but also ensures any injuries are properly documented and treated.

Discuss Your Case With Jones Law Group to See if You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

The issues mentioned above are just a few examples of when bringing a car accident lawyer on board to help in your no-injury case, which may make a lot of sense. Speaking with our firm’s expert personal injury lawyers about your crash is free. We are diligent and honest representatives.

Give us a call at (727) 571-1333 or use our contact form to reach out to Jones Law Group today. We’ll schedule a meeting with an attorney to discuss your crash and the legal rights Florida law affords you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my accident-related losses exceed my or another driver’s insurance policy limits?

Florida law only requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $10,000 per accident in both PIP and property damage coverage. If your losses exceed those amounts, that’s when looking at the policy documentation for another party or even considering pursuing other legal remedies may make sense.

Can I recover any compensation if I contributed to causing a crash?

The modified comparative negligence doctrine applies in our state. This is described in greater detail in Florida Statutes Section 768.81.

This means that even if you are eligible to secure a settlement, any amount you receive may be reduced by your percent of fault for the collision. So, while you may still be able to recover compensation, it may be less than your actual damages.

What happens if I discover I have injuries after settling my case?  

Generally, insurance claims cannot be reopened. However, situations where there are typos in the settlement documents, no check received yet, and others where you may not be yet subject to the terms of the waiver of all claims or be able to reopen a closed claim.