When a car accident occurs, typically people draw their attention to the drivers of the vehicles involved. However, drivers may not be the only people affected by an accident. Passengers in car accidents often need medical attention and suffer other emotional and financial damages. In many cases, passengers may even sustain more severe injuries than drivers and are often unsure how to recover monetary compensation.
A skilled attorney can help you pursue justice through a no-fault insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit if you were injured as a passenger in a Florida car crash. At Marsalisi Law, our first-class car accident attorney is dedicated to helping you recover the monetary compensation you deserve. Frank P. Marsalisi is fluent in English and Spanish and can help you navigate Florida’s complex legal process as you focus on healing and recovery. He understands no two accidents are exactly alike and will personalize his services to your unique needs.
What Are My Legal Options if I am Injured as a Passenger in a Florida Car Accident?
Those injured as passengers typically have two primary means of recovering damages for their losses, no-fault insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Your attorney will advise you on which of the following methods to pursue based on the facts of your case:
No-Fault Insurance Claims
All drivers in Florida are required by law to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Fortunately, this coverage is also extended to the driver’s passengers regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The driver’s PIP insurance covers 80% of the injured individual’s medical costs and 60% of their lost wages due to the accident. Non-tangible losses like pain and suffering are not covered. It is also important to know that this driver’s coverage is secondary to the passenger’s own PIP coverage if they own a vehicle or live with a resident relative that owns a vehicle with insurance.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If your injuries are severe or you incurred significant damages, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, the liable party may be the driver of the car you were riding in or the driver or owner of another vehicle involved in the accident. Unlike a no-fault claim, a personal injury lawsuit aims to compensate victims for the full extent of the following losses:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages and earning potential;
- Significant disfigurement or disability;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering.
This list is not exhaustive; there may be other damages your attorney may be able to help you recover. At Marsalisi Law, our attorney is committed to working with you to understand your current and future needs as he fights for the maximum amount of monetary compensation on your behalf.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Passenger Injury Claim?
If you plan to seek damages for your injuries, contacting an experienced attorney without delay is essential. In Florida, as of March 24, 2023, car accident victims only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. While this may seem like more than enough time to pursue a case, acting sooner rather than later is vital. Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, and witnesses to your accident may move away or forget details about what they saw.
No-fault claims have even stricter deadlines. For you to be eligible to receive PIP benefits, you must seek treatment with a qualifying physician within 14 days of the accident. A skilled car accident attorney can work quickly to investigate your accident and begin your case to ensure you have the chance to pursue justice for your injuries and other losses.
Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Attorney at Marsalisi Law
At Marsalisi Law, our award-winning attorney, Frank P. Marsalisi, is dedicated to helping passenger injury victims in Florida recover damages for the full extent of the losses they have endured. We understand how stressful the aftermath of a car accident can be and will treat you and your case with compassion and care as we fight for you. To learn more about our legal services and how we can help you, call us today at (727) 800-5052 or complete our online contact form.
Marsalisi Law is where the law gets personal!
