Car accidents can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved, even if the crash is not severe. All the proceedings in the aftermath of an auto accident can make life stressful because you have to deal with expenses related to any injuries you have incurred, deal with insurance companies, emergency services, the trauma of the accident itself, and much more. The entire situation can be even more stressful if you were involved in the accident while in a leased vehicle.
Feeling overwhelmed with a ton of questions racing through your mind after an accident is normal. If you or someone close to you was injured recently in an accident while driving a leased car, this guide will help you understand what would be the appropriate steps to take.
Does Florida’s No-Fault Law Apply If It Is A Leased Vehicle?
Whether you are driving a vehicle that you own fully or have yet to finish making payments on, you are still operating under the Sunshine State’s no-fault law. The no-fault insurance requirement applies to all Floridian motorists. It means that if you were involved in an accident while driving a leased vehicle in Boca Raton, all the parties share the blame and must work with their respective insurance companies for assistance to become financially whole again.
All motorists in Florida must carry at least $10,000 worth of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and property damage insurance each. PIP can provide you with coverage to compensate you for injuries you have suffered. Property damage insurance covers any damages to the other motorist’s vehicle if the crash was determined to be caused by you. While it is not mandatory under the no-fault law, you should consider purchasing collision coverage to seek financial help in paying for the damages caused to your vehicle in the accident.
Drivers for each registered vehicle in the state of Florida must have no-fault insurance to help them cover damages for any accidents. Leased vehicles are also registered. Hence, it is necessary to carry the insurance when you are driving a leased vehicle in Boca Raton.
It is possible for the damages caused in the accident to go well over the $10,000 that your insurance policy covers. Fortunately, there are legal avenues you can explore with the help of Boca Raton car accident lawyers to seek additional compensation.
Steps To Take After Being Involved In An Accident When Driving A Leased Car
Getting into a car accident with any vehicle can be scary, especially if it is a leased vehicle because you do not fully own the car yet. Leased vehicle drivers might have more at stake than motorists involved in accidents with cars they have fully paid off.
Here are the steps you should take if you are ever unfortunate enough to be caught up in a similar situation.
1. Call The Authorities & File A Report
Calling the police to the accident scene is necessary, especially if the accident resulted in severe injuries or significant damages. Filing a report with the authorities can be beneficial to have a record of the incident. The police report can serve as vital evidence to support your case if the situation goes out of Florida’s no-fault system. The police reports are entirely objective and can help courts determine who was at fault.
2. Collect Evidence
If you are not severely injured in your accident and have your phone on you, it is highly recommended to document all the damage caused by the accident. It is always helpful to have visual evidence documenting the damages your car suffered because your attorney can use it as proof to build a strong case for you in the aftermath. You can document the property damage done to your car and any injuries you and the passengers in your car might have suffered.
3. Speak To An Auto Accident Attorney
You must contact your insurance company at the first possible chance after the accident to inform them and get the ball rolling on the claims process. However, we highly recommend speaking to a trusted car accident lawyer before you speak to your insurance provider. Consulting with a legal expert on your case before getting in touch with an insurance adjuster can help you when seeking damages.
Attorneys are expert negotiators who know how to help you get extra compensation from your insurance company if it is necessary. Contacting an attorney before speaking to insurance adjusters becomes even more important when you are driving a leased car because there are more parties involved. You will have to deal with your insurance company and the other driver as with a normal accident. Additionally, you will need to deal with the company that leased you the car you were driving.
Why Hiring A Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer Is Helpful
Insurance companies thrive on collecting insurance premiums while limiting their liability. After all, it is a business that needs to be profitable, and paying out the maximum amount would be counterproductive for insurance providers in their business goals. While it is not always the case, insurance companies do go to great lengths to minimize the payout to you when they value your claim.
Working with trustworthy Boca Raton car accident lawyers can help you ensure that you do not become a victim of lowballing from your insurance provider. Things can get particularly dicey when dealing with a car lease company because they will likely try to hold you liable for the damages caused to the property that they technically own. A lawyer experienced in dealing with auto accidents in Florida can help you traverse the complex situation caused by the involvement of car leasing companies.
From minimizing the financial responsibility at your end to helping you secure a greater amount from your insurance settlement, the right attorney can alleviate the financial stress of the entire situation.
Consider contacting a lawyer if you are ever involved in a car accident when driving a leased vehicle. The auto accident attorneys in the firm have an excellent track record in helping their clients get more desirable outcomes for auto accident cases that range from minor collisions to severe crashes.
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