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Will My Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident in Florida?

With warm weather, sunny beaches and plenty of outdoor activities, Fort Lauderdale attracts thousands of visitors daily. Whether a local or tourist, however, large crowds and heavy traffic increase the risk of accidents. Nobody wants to plan for a car accident on his or her beach vacation, but it is an unfortunate reality for many people’s lives. One of the worst fears after a car accident is that insurance premiums will increase. If you are in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, contact the car accident lawyers at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Understanding Who is at Fault

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means, after an accident, nobody receives blame for causing the incident (in the eyes of the insurance companies and the law). It is for this reason that Florida residents must have Personal Injury Protection insurance, as the insurance companies must provide coverage for damages.

While fault is a non-issue for paying damages, it does have implications in other aspects of insurance and claims following an auto accident. Litigants pursuing a personal injury claim in Florida, for example, will need to establish fault in order to receive damages. Fault in the context of injury cases refers mostly to the concept of negligence – where one motorist willfully failed to follow safe driving laws, or knowingly endangered another driver.

PIP Insurance

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, insurance is a special requirement for all Florida drivers. The intent behind this coverage is to pay out in the event of accidents, regardless of who is at fault for the collision. PIP, however, pays a maximum of 80% of medical expenses as well as 60% of lost wages should the injury cause you to lose work.

Following a crash or accident that uses PIP insurance, your premiums should not increase. As PIP is no-fault, it pays out irrespective of who causes an accident. Insurance companies cannot raise insurance rates without a legally valid reason, and using PIP is not an excuse.

PIP payments or eligible payments reduce final payments from all personal injury settlements.

Contact Your Car Insurance Provider

You should always file an incident report and claim with your insurance provider after an accident, no matter how big or small it may have been. This is often a requirement imposed by the insurance companies as well, and failing to report a collision may forfeit your coverage.

Many drivers involved in an accident will try to hide the event from their providers, believing that it will increase their insurance rates. This should not happen in most circumstances, particularly if you are not at fault.

Limitations

Insurance companies must have a legal and valid reason to raise your rates. If your insurance company deems you at fault, or partially at fault, for an accident, they considered it a reason to raise rates. This is regardless of whether or not you use your insurance, as you must still report the incident to the company.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today!

After a car crash, your number one priority is your own safety. Once you have received adequate medical care, you may want to consider speaking with an attorney about your case. Whether you press charges or not, an experienced lawyer can best advise you on your requirements and situation. Having an attorney is also protection against abuses from the insurance company. Remember, it is illegal for insurance companies to cancel your policy without adequate reason.

If you were recently in an accident and experienced a rate change or cancellation from your insurance company, contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. today to set up your free consultation.

Client Testimonials

“…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

Sean O.
Google Review
“Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

Giovanni G.
Google Review
“…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

Sheila N.
Google Review
“Best lawyer in Broward County”
Evans P.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

Velouse G.
Google Review
“Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

Libby E.
Google Review
“I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

Donna M.
Google Review
“They have a wonderful team.”

…took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

Nicholas G.
Google Review
“My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

Yvette W.
Google Review
“This is a great law office.”

The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

Jonathan Z.
Google Review
“Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

Sade P.
Google Review
“They helped tremendously!”

I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

A Boone
Google Review
“I highly recommend this man.”

A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

N. Hit
Google Review
“He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

Samantha D.
Google Review
“…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

Karen G.
Google Review
“Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
Zuberi L.
Google Review
“He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

Joan K.
Google Review
“My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

Willie M.
Google Review
“A+++++ recommended.”

I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

J. Hernandez
Google Review
“I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

S. Rodriguez
Google Review
“They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

Pastor D.
Google Review