What should I do immediately after an accident?

Protecting yourself after a car crash starts from the very first moments. What you do next can make or break your injury claim. Follow these critical steps to safeguard your rights, your health, and your case:

1. Call Law Enforcement to the Scene

Always request that a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) respond to the crash — do not settle for a simple Driver’s Exchange. LEOs are neutral, trained professionals who determine fault and document the facts in a formal crash report. Without this investigation:

• You will not receive an official crash report.
• You will not have the officer’s professional opinion on who caused the crash.
• The insurance company may dispute liability.

Stand firm and insist on a full crash investigation. Give your version of events clearly and confidently. Do not let the other driver or anyone else intimidate you into staying quiet.

2. Take Photos of Everything

Evidence disappears quickly — capture it immediately. Take pictures of:

• Your vehicle
• The other driver’s vehicle
• The crash scene and surroundings
• Any visible injuries on your body

If it’s safe, photograph the vehicles before they are moved. If you’re too injured, ask a friend, family member, or bystander to take pictures for you.

3. Identify and Gather Witnesses

Unbiased witnesses can make or break a car crash case. Be sure to:

• Get their full name, phone number, and address
• Ask what they saw and what they could testify to
• Document their statements while everything is still fresh

Remember: evidence is everything in a car crash claim.

4. Call Elle Rudisill Law Firm Immediately

Before you talk to any insurance company, call Elle Rudisill Law Firm at 813-920-ELLE (3553). Insurance adjusters treat unrepresented victims differently—and not in your favor. With Elle Rudisill Law Firm on your side, you have:

• A dedicated advocate protecting your rights
• Guidance on what to say (and what not to say)
• Strong protection from insurance tactics

Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting the firm first. A recorded statement can seriously damage your case. Once you hire Elle Rudisill Law Firm, make sure to stay in communication. Clear, consistent communication is vital for a successful injury claim.

What are the different types of Auto Insurance?

Understanding the different types of auto insurance coverage is crucial if you’re ever involved in a car accident. Knowing what you have — and what the other driver has — can directly determine how much compensation is available for your injuries and damages.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP is Florida’s no-fault insurance and is required in Florida. It pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Key points you must know:

• You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash, or you lose your PIP benefits.
• To access the full $10,000, you must receive an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) determination from a qualified medical provider.
• Without an EMC, PIP may only pay up to $2,500.

PIP typically covers:

• 80% of medical bills
• 60% of lost wages
• Some out-of-pocket expenses
• Travel mileage for medical appointments

Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage

Covers injuries you cause to someone else. Bodily Injury Coverage pays for the injuries sustained by the other driver or passengers if you are at fault. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability

In Florida, BI is not required, which is why many accident victims struggle to recover compensation — because the at-fault driver might have no BI coverage at all.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

The most important coverage you can carry. UM/UIM protects you when:

• The at-fault driver has no Bodily Injury insurance, or
• They have very low limits that are not enough to cover your injuries.

UM/UIM steps in and pays:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing and future damages

This coverage is critical in Florida because a large percentage of drivers carry no BI insurance.

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Required in Florida. PDL pays for damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property. It does not pay for your own vehicle damage.

Heath Insurance

You will get to use both your PIP and health insurance because they work hand in hand. After PIP is used up, then health insurance will kick in to continue your medical treatment. Beware: health insurance comes with a lien.

When Should You Consider Hiring A Lawyer?

Any time you’ve been the victim of a car accident, it’s important to have an attorney protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

What If Your Injuries Are Minor?

Even minor injuries can hide serious problems you may not feel right away. Bruises, soreness, or small cuts can still lead to long-term damage, especially to your neck or back. An attorney can help you get proper medical care and make sure your injuries are fully documented. At Elle Rudisill Law Firm, we fight to ensure you receive the treatment and compensation you deserve — no matter how minor your injuries may seem.

Minor Injuries Vs. Serious Injuries?

Whether your injury is minor and requires chiropractic care or serious and needs surgery and physical therapy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our job is to fight for the maximum settlement you’re entitled to. With strong negotiation skills, we work to reduce your medical bills and increase the money that goes directly into your pocket.

Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer or Handle Your Claim?

You can handle a personal injury claim on your own — but you won’t get the same results. Without an attorney, you’ll deal with constant runarounds, delays, and lowball offers. When you hire a lawyer, the insurance company immediately takes your case more seriously and assigns a more experienced adjuster with higher authority to negotiate. This means your claim is treated with more respect — and you’re far more likely to receive a higher settlement.

How Much Does It Cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Florida?

Our firm operates contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. Because legal and factual issues can arise — such as delays in discovering injuries or gathering evidence — it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are fully protected.

What should I bring to my first consultation with a personal injury lawyer?

To help us fully understand your situation and offer the most accurate guidance, please bring any documentation you have related to your accident or injuries, including:

• Medical records and bills
• Police or incident reports
• Photographs or videos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, or property damage
• Insurance information and any correspondence with insurance companies
• Witness names or contact information, if available
• Any notes or timelines you’ve kept about the accident or your medical treatment

Bringing these items helps us evaluate your case more efficiently and provide you with clear next steps.

What Are Some Misconceptions of personal injury law?

There are several common misconceptions about Personal Injury Law. Unfortunately, personal injury — especially cases involving car accidents and bodily injuries — is an area most people know very little about until they are suddenly thrown into the process themselves. Education is power. The more you understand about how these cases work, the better prepared you are to protect your rights and manage expectations if you have been injured.

Misconception #1: “I got hit. I get my money right away… right?”

This is one of the most widespread misunderstandings. Many people assume that because they were not at fault, they will receive compensation quickly. In reality, personal injury cases take time — anywhere from 3–6 months to 3–4 years, depending on the facts and complexity. Why does it take so long? Insurance companies require proof that:

1. You are actually injured, and
2. The injuries were caused by the crash.

That proof comes entirely from your medical treatment.

Understanding the Treatment Process

Depending on your injuries, treatment may be brief and involve chiropractic care, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing such as MRIs. In more serious cases, you may require surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation. This recovery process cannot be rushed. Insurance companies will not negotiate until:

• Your treatment is complete, or
• You reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Once that happens, your attorney gathers all medical records and bills and presents a demand package to the insurance adjuster.

Settlement vs. Litigation

If negotiations are successful:

1. The insurance company issues payment.
2. Your attorney pays the outstanding medical bills from that payment.
3. You receive the remaining balance.

If negotiations fail, the case must move into litigation. Litigation can extend your case by years, and in some circumstances, the matter may go all the way to trial, where a jury decides the outcome.

The Most Important Thing to Remember: Patience

Personal injury cases are a process, not an instant payout. Your primary focus should always be on healing and following your medical providers’ recommendations. While the legal process unfolds, your health and recovery remain the top priority.

Where Is My Million Dollars??

Many car accident victims believe they are automatically entitled to a million-dollar settlement. It is an understandable misconception. Billboards and advertisements often highlight massive results — “They got me $2.5 million!” or “I walked away with $800,000!” What those ads do not show is the full context.

The truth is that most personal injury car accident cases settle for far less, and there are legitimate reasons why. Personal injury settlements are determined by three core factors:

1. Available Insurance Coverage

Your recovery is limited by the amount of applicable insurance coverage. If the at-fault driver carries only $10,000 in bodily injury coverage, then:

• The maximum possible settlement is $10,000
• Medical bills, attorney’s fees, and costs come out of that amount
• You cannot collect money that simply does not exist

Even if your injuries are severe, insurance limits are often the main restricting factor.

2. The Severity of Your Injuries

A million-dollar policy does not guarantee a million-dollar payout. If the victim has only minor injuries, such as bruising or short-term soreness, the settlement will reflect the medical evidence — not the policy limit. On the other hand:

• Serious, permanent injuries
• Significant medical treatment
• Long-term impairment or disability

These factors increase the case value. In personal injury, injury severity directly impacts compensation.

3. Liability (Who Is at Fault)

If there is any dispute about who caused the crash, the case may require litigation. When liability is uncertain, insurance companies fight harder, delay longer, and sometimes offer little to nothing.

Without clear liability:

• There is always a possibility that the victim may recover nothing
• Settlement offers are significantly lower
• The case may need to go to suit

What should you do with your settlement money?

Finish your treatment, invest the leftover money, and avoid spending the money all in one night or lavishly.