In Florida, you have two years to claim injury after the date of the car accident (exceptions apply depending on the case). However, it is recommended that you hire a Florida car accident lawyer immediately after the crash. A car accident lawyer will advise you on the most advantageous course of action and help you receive the full extent of compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.

Under Florida Statutes § 627.737, serious injuries are defined as the significant or permanent loss of an important bodily function. This includes paralysis in the arms or legs, a permanent injury supported by medical evidence (disability or chronic pain), permanent scarring, significant disfigurement, or death. If the serious injury threshold is met, Floridian’s can also pursue compensation for emotional pain and suffering in addition to medical expenses and lost wages. For example, if a spinal cord injury results in paraplegia (inability to walk due to leg paralysis), you’d be compensated for the measurable impact on your quality of life.

Senft Injury Advocates offers a contingency fee payment structure. This means there are no initial charges or fees for you; our payment is contingent on us attaining a settlement on your behalf. If a settlement is attained, our fee ranges from 33 to 40%. In other words, we don't get paid unless you win.

Injury compensation is calculated based on the severity of your injury and the impact it has on your life. Let’s say you suffered from a head injury and cannot fulfill your job responsibilities. In this instance, you’d receive compensation for any wages lost during your recovery. If the head injury is severe and impedes you from working all together, you may also be compensated for loss in earning capacity. Compensation also includes medical bills, other injury-related expenses, as well as emotional pain and suffering. It is important to note that Florida follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning your compensation is reduced if you're partially at fault.

If you are a passenger in a car accident, you are eligible for compensation regardless of who was at fault. Since Florida is a “no-fault state”, your own auto insurance will cover the initial medical expenses. Once your policy limit is reached, you can claim compensation from the at-fault party. If the at-fault party is the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident, compensation is attained from the driver's insurance.