If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance paperwork, and uncertainty about your legal rights. The attorneys at Boatman Ricci are here to help you navigate the process, protect your interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Car accidents can lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. Whether your case involves a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic collision, our team provides skilled representation tailored to your unique situation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP is mandatory for all Florida drivers and typically covers:
- 80% of necessary medical expenses up to $10,000
- 60% of lost income
- Death benefits up to $5,000
However, no-fault insurance has its limitations. It does not cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, and coverage may fall short if your injuries are serious.
When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System
Under Florida law, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet a specific legal threshold. These include:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
When these thresholds are met, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages that are not available through your PIP coverage.
At Boatman Ricci, we evaluate every case to determine whether a client is eligible to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault party, and we are ready to take the case to trial if necessary.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a crash, it’s important to protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Here are several crucial steps to take:
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report can serve as an important piece of evidence in your case.
Document the Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much information as possible at the scene:
- Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions
- Get contact and insurance information from all parties involved
- Obtain contact details for any witnesses
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Under Florida’s PIP rules, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for benefits. Prompt treatment also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the crash.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may offer quick settlements that undervalue your claim. Speak with an experienced attorney before signing any releases or accepting payments.
Why You Need an Attorney
Car accident cases are not always as straightforward as they may seem. Disputes over fault, lowball settlement offers, and complex insurance issues are common.
At Boatman Ricci, our attorneys can help by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Determining liability
- Communicating with insurers on your behalf
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Negotiating a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit if needed
We also handle cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, hit-and-run accidents, and claims against commercial or government entities.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
If your injuries qualify for a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, in fatal accidents
Our legal team works closely with medical experts, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists to present a strong, evidence-based case on your behalf.
Serving Naples, Fort Myers, and Southwest Florida
Boatman Ricci proudly represents car accident victims across Naples, Fort Myers, and throughout Southwest Florida. We are committed to delivering personalized legal services and advocating aggressively for our clients at every stage of the process.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives you four years to file a personal injury claim, but acting quickly increases your chances of a successful outcome.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Contact Boatman Ricci today to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re here to help you recover, rebuild, and move forward.