Who Pays For Car Repairs After An Accident In Florida?

In the aftermath of a car accident, there are countless thoughts that can be running through your head. Immediately, you’re thinking about the health and safety of everyone involved. 

You may be reporting the accident to the police, calling your insurance company, or taking photos of the accident. 

It may not occur to you until after the rush of the accident has subsided, but you may begin to worry about the damage that was done to your vehicle. How will you afford to have it fixed? You may be without a vehicle altogether and you may need access to a rental car in the meantime. Not only are you worried about how you’ll get around but how will you afford it all?

This is precisely what we’re going to cover in greater detail below.

Do At-Fault Drivers Pay For Car Repairs?

The answer is not so straightforward. It depends on what kind of driver caused the accident and what their insurance coverage is. If you caused the accident and need to repair your own car, then you’ll need to submit a claim with your insurance company or pay for it yourself out of pocket. Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 property damage coverage.

Who pays for vehicle damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

If a driver who hits you does not have insurance, hopefully, you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage to help you. Oftentimes, when a driver does not have insurance, they most likely don’t have a lot of assets for you to go after to pursue a lawsuit for repair costs. If you do decide to go after a driver personally with a lawsuit, keep in mind that this is a time-consuming and tedious process with no guarantee that you will get compensated. 

Your attorney can help you to understand your specific case and determine if a lawsuit is worth pursuing. Unfortunately in most cases like this, it is not.

Instead, you can file a claim with your insurance company, but they will make you pay a deductible. 

What if I have issues getting my repairs covered by my insurance company?

If you file a claim with your insurance company and encounter issues getting the compensation you are owed, it might be time to speak with an attorney. 

If you have yet to file a claim with your insurance provider, we recommend seeking legal counsel prior to doing so. 

Car repairs can be spendy and it’s unlikely that you have cash on hand to get your car repaired right away. Hiring an attorney can simplify the process of dealing with your insurance company and speed up the timeline of repairs. 

What If I Need a Rental Car Until Repairs Are Complete?

Depending on your insurance policy, you may have no problem having the costs of your rental car covered by insurance. However, it can be tricky to deal with insurance adjusters in general. 

If you experience pushback or flat-out denied coverage, it’s important that you speak with an attorney. Rental cars can be expensive, especially over the duration of time while your car is in the shop. It could take several weeks to get your vehicle back. 

Hiring an Attorney

Getting in a car accident is a huge inconvenience for anyone. Hiring an attorney to help you navigate your property damage claim can help to ensure you get your car repairs covered and completed in a timely manner. 

Contact our attorneys at Pipas Law Group today to discuss your options.