Car Accidents

You may think you have to be in a high-impact car accident to be severely injured. This isn't necessarily true. Even "fender benders" can result in real injures that may last your entire life. The technology used in todays cars often masks the true damage a vehicle has sustained. The visible damage of a car in an accident is not a real indication of your injuries; however, insurance companies often argue you cannot be injured unless the car damage is extensive.
The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has a track record of successfully proving to insurance companies and juries that our clients' injuries cannot be measure solely on the physical damage of a car. Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation at (561) 691-4511.
CAR ACCIDENT FAQs
- I was in a car accident. Do I have to pay to hire The Law Offices of Reese Harvey? You don't need money to hire us. The Law Office of Reese Harvey works on a contigency fee basis. This means that if we don't win any money for your case there is no fee. We also advance all costs associated with investigating and prosecuting your claim. Even you don't think you want to sue, you should call us for a free initial consultaiton. We will discuss your legal rights and options so you can confidently make this decision. You are under no obligation to hire us, even after the consultation.
- What factors determine how much money I will win? Injuries from car accidents are traumatic. You have likely been dealing with the direct affects of your injuries such as pain, loss of sleep, anxiety, and more. Unfortunately, you may suffer additional trauma in the form of lost wages and medical bills compounding your injuries and further affecting your personal life. There are many factors that are used to determine how much your case is worth: extent of physical injury, total medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The Law Offices of Reese Harvey will aggressively fight the insurance companies to maximize your award based on your injury, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life while, at the same time, minimizing the affect your medical bills.
- What if the person who caused the accident doesn't have insurance? Many South Florida drivers are significantly underinsured or don't have any insurance at all. You may be worried how this affects you and your ability to recover money for your injuries. The good news is that your insurance policy may include "uninsured motorists protection". Unisured motorists protection is available to you whether the person at fault for the car accident is uninsured OR underinsured. There are times when your insurance company can be forced to provide you with this type of protection whether you've paid for it or not. The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has experience uncovering ALL insurance money that can be collected as a result of your accident.
- What if the other driver and I are both found at fault? Florida law provides for "apportioned liability" in car accidents. This means that it is possible for both the other driver and you to share responsibility for causing a car accident and you can win money for the percentage that is not your fault. The Law Offices of Reese Harvey has a track record of successfully demonstrating to insurance companies and juries that your liability is minimal while maximizing the responsibility of the other driver.
- Who pays for the damage to my car? If the accident was not your fault then you have the option of making a claim through your collision insurance coverage or going after the at-fault driver's insurance. Normally your collision insurance coverage will have a deductible. If there's a dispute about who is at fault for the accident, it may be quicker to have your car repaired through your insurance company and then seek reimbursement of your deductible from the at-fault driver later. If you've already been injured in a car accident you might feel like this is another stressful thing that you don't have time to deal with. At the Law Offices of Reese Harvey we are here to assist you throughout this complicated process so you can get back to your normal life.
- Who pays for the rental car while my car is being repaired? If the other driver is responsible for the accident we will demand that their insurance company provides you with a rental car while your car is being repaired. Sometimes you might need to pay the rental car bill upfront, but you will be reimbursed by the insurance company later.
- Should I provide a statement to the other driver's insurance company or my insurance company? Definitely not! You should speak to an attorney before giving a statement to any insurance company, especially a recorded statment. The insurance company's priority is to protect their financial interest, not to help you. The Law Offices of Reese Harvey will be present for all communication with any insurance company to protect your rights and ensure that you will recover as much money as possible for your injuries.
- The insurance company has already offered to pay me money to settle my claim quickly - Should I accept it? No. Do not settle with the insurance company without first contacting an experienced attorney. Some uninsured motorist protection policies do not require the insurance company to pay if the insured person has settled with the other driver's insurance company. This can be a very costly mistake! Before you settle any portion of your claim, contact The Law Offices of Reese Harvey so you can be confident that you'll get the best result for your case.
- Should I take pictures of the accident scene? Yes. If you don't have a camera use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and all vehicle damage. Pictures will document car damage in relation to where and how the accident occurred and the weather conditions - this will all be used as supporting evidence for your claim. Also, we can use the pictures to help you document the damage to your vehicle for your own insurance company. If you are unable to take photgraphs, contact The Law Offices of Reese Harvey immediately at (561) 691-4511. We work with investigators and other expert personnel who can rush to the scene of any accident to preserve and document valuable evidence before it is lost.
- What else should I do after I am in a car accident? Get the names and contact information of all witnesses. You would be surprised how often witnesses are not listed on police reports and "disappear". Don't sign any documents (even if it's from your insurance company) unless it's a police report or citation.
- I'm a little achy and sore from my accident. Do I really need to see my doctor? Seeking medical attention as quickly as possible after your accident may help prevent permanent injuries. Even a seemingly minor car accident can result in injury. Sometimes the affects of the injury take time to manifest into symptoms. If you do not have health insurance or are worried about the medical bills that you will incur as a result of your car accident, call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey so we can help you get the cost of your medical bills covered.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced attorney fighting for your legal rights. Call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey at (561) 691-4511 for a free, no obligation consultation.
* The answers to these questions are not legal or medical advice and should not be relied upon or used as a basis for any particular course of action. Feel free to call The Law Offices of Reese Harvey. We will be happy to answer your questions and explain your rights.
