The Injury Law Firm, PA | January 6, 2025 | Car Accidents Near Delray Beach, FL

Even minor car accidents can bring unexpected stress, pain, and questions. If you have been in a minor accident in Delray Beach, you might be wondering if hiring a lawyer is necessary. The decision to involve an attorney often depends on several factors, such as the accident’s impact on your life, potential medical costs, and whether liability is clear.
Here’s a look at when you should consider hiring a lawyer after a minor accident.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Minor Accident?
If your accident involved property damage only or injuries are very minor, you may consider handling your claim without a lawyer. However, while minor accidents may not seem serious, they can still lead to financial losses, health issues, and insurance complications.
Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, it doesn’t mean you are unharmed. Symptoms of injuries like whiplash and mild brain injuries such as concussions can take days to develop.
In Florida, minor accident claims can quickly become complex due to the state’s no-fault insurance rules. You are generally required to rely on your own insurance policy for expenses related to your injury. However, if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
If you are going to handle your own car insurance claim, make sure you do not accept a settlement offer too quickly. Get medical care right away to make sure you are not actually injured and that any injuries are really as minor as they seem.
The other key to knowing if you can handle your own insurance claim is recognizing signs that it’s time to get help.
It is helpful to understand situations in which it may make sense to hire a car accident lawyer, even for a minor accident.
Consult a Lawyer if Your Insurance Claim Was Denied
Florida law requires that insurers act in good faith, but navigating claims can still be challenging without legal guidance. If your claim has been denied, or your insurance company is minimizing your damages, it’s time to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
You Need Legal Representation if You Are Being Blamed for the Accident
If you are being unfairly blamed for the crash, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer. If the other driver files a claim against you, your insurance premiums can go up if you are found at fault. Their damages may also exceed your coverage limits, especially if their injuries are moderate to serious. That means you can be personally responsible for at least some of their damages, even if you are found only partially at fault.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation for Medical Bills
Even minor injuries can result in substantial medical costs. The average emergency room bill in Florida is more than $3,000, the highest in the country. An ambulance ride in Palm Beach County starts at $690 plus $14 per mile for transportation to the hospital.
Your PIP insurance only covers 80% of necessary medical costs up to $10,000. That can go very quickly, even if you are not hospitalized.
If your bills exceed your coverage, or your insurance company is denying all of the care you received was necessary, it may be time to consult with a lawyer.
Contact an Attorney if the Accident Caused Substantial Property Damage
Crashes that cause property damage only are considered minor. However, property damage can easily exceed your coverage limits, especially if you have minimum liability coverage. The minimum coverage for property damage in Florida is just $10,000.
In 2022, the average insurance liability claim for property damage was $6,551. Luxury brands, heavy-duty pickup trucks, and electric vehicles tend to have the most expensive body repair costs.
The Role of a Lawyer In Minor Car Accident Claims
An attorney can handle many aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery and avoid the headaches of legal paperwork and negotiations. Your lawyer will assist with the paperwork, gather evidence to support your claim and handle negotiations with the insurance company. They will defend you against attempts to undervalue your claim or unfairly assign blame and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for your damages.
While some minor car accident claims don’t require a lawyer, make sure you know when your claim has become complicated and get legal representation to protect yourself. If you have been hurt in a car crash in Delray Beach, a car accident lawyer can help you every step of the way.
The Injury Law Firm, PA.
301 W. Atlantic Ave, Suite O-1
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 800-4357