How to Get Paid After a Car Accident

Steven A. Bagen | April 2, 2025 | Car Accidents

Car accidents disrupt lives in an instant. Whether dealing with medical bills or lost wages, figuring out how to recover financially can feel like climbing a mountain. 

If you were injured in Florida, you may wonder how to get paid after a car accident. 

Here’s what you need to know now.

Can You File a Lawsuit in Florida?

While PIP ensures some compensation for basic injuries, serious accidents may require further action. Florida law defines “serious injuries” as those that result in:

• Permanent loss of function
• Significant disfigurement
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of certainty

You may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance if your injuries meet this threshold. This can compensate you for pain, suffering, and additional damages not covered by PIP.

When and Why to File a Lawsuit

If settlement negotiations don’t resolve your claim, filing a lawsuit might be the next step. This process can seem challenging, but it’s the only way to secure proper compensation in many cases. 

Florida law allows you to claim damages for various losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Timing matters. Florida has a four-year statute of limitations for filing car accident lawsuits. 

Waiting too long means forfeiting your right to recover damages. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’ll end up in court. Many cases settle before they reach trial. Always be prepared for your case to proceed to litigation.

How do you decide whether to file a lawsuit? 

Consider these questions:

• Does the settlement cover your full medical and repair costs?
• Have you accounted for future expenses like ongoing therapy or treatment?
• Are you satisfied with the proposed compensation for your pain and suffering?

Sometimes, insurance companies are more willing to settle fairly when faced with a lawsuit. Demonstrating that you’re serious about pursuing your claim can make all the difference in the payout.

Understand Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules

Florida has unique car accident laws. It is a no-fault state, which means your insurance covers medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. This system is designed to help you access treatment quickly without unnecessary disputes. 

However, it also limits when to file a claim against the other driver.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory for all Florida drivers.
PIP covers:

• Up to 80% of your medical costs
• A portion of your lost wages
• Funeral expenses in the worst-case scenario

But PIP has limits. The maximum payout is often $10,000. If your injuries are serious or exceed this amount, you may need to pursue additional compensation through another driver’s insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. 

Familiarizing yourself with these rules is the foundation for maximizing payments after an accident.

Steps to Take Days After a Car Accident

Taking strategic steps after an accident lays the groundwork for getting paid. These steps extend beyond the scene of the crash and deal with the days and weeks that follow.

1. Contact your insurance company
   Report the accident promptly. Provide accurate details, focusing on the facts rather than assigning blame. Delays can lead to denied claims.
2. Document your injuries and costs
   Keep all records related to the accident. These include:
   • Medical records and bills
   • Proof of missed work and lost wages
   • Repair estimates for damaged vehicles
3. Follow doctor’s orders
   Skipping medical appointments or disregarding advice can harm your claim. Insurers may argue your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim if gaps appear in your medical records.
4. Track all communication
   Keep a log of everyone you talk to, whether insurance adjusters or mechanics. Include the date, time, and a summary of what was discussed.

Staying organized and consistent, each piece of information strengthens your case for maximum compensation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are businesses focused on limiting payouts. Even your insurer may challenge the value of your claim. Handling them effectively is key.

What to do when speaking to adjusters:

• Stick to the facts
  Avoid sharing opinions or speculating about the accident.
• Don’t Accept Quick Settlements
  Insurers often offer lowball amounts early on to close cases cheaply.
• Consult with Professionals Before Signing Anything
  Signing a release without understanding the full cost of your injuries could leave you paying out of pocket.

Persistent communication and a well-documented case put you in a stronger position when negotiating claims.

Understanding Insurance Adjusters and Their Offers

Insurance companies play a central part in the settlement process. After a car accident, their adjusters evaluate claims and determine how much they will pay. 

However, their goal is often to pay as little as possible, which can lead to a settlement offer that doesn’t fully cover your expenses. To get paid fairly, you must feel comfortable interacting with these companies.

When speaking with an adjuster, always provide honest and consistent details. They may ask for your medical history or statements about the accident. Remember, you don’t have to agree to anything immediately. 

Take your time evaluating their offer and comparing it to your actual losses. Accepting the first offer might leave money on the table.

What can you do to strengthen your case against an insurance company?

• Always document your conversations with adjusters. Note dates, names, and key points.
• Avoid giving verbal agreements or recorded statements unless you’re ready.
• Consult with professionals if you are uncertain about settlement fairness.

Negotiating a fair settlement can take time. If the insurance company refuses to budge, there are steps to escalate your claim. Submit supporting documents like additional medical bills or income loss verification. 

This gives you a stronger case to push for your rights.

Understanding Payout Options

Receiving your compensation can happen in different ways. Some people opt for a lump-sum payment, which provides the settlement amount in one large payment. Others might receive structured payments, dividing the full amount into smaller increments over months or years.

Each option has pros and cons. A lump-sum payment allows for faster debt repayment but requires careful budgeting. Structured payments may appeal to those wanting financial stability over time. 

Consider your financial needs, ongoing medical costs, and general expenses when deciding.

Before committing to an option:

• Evaluate how a lump or structured payment will impact your life.
• Discuss your choice with someone familiar with payout structures.
• Take time to make the decision; rushing can lead to regret.

Knowledge of payout options is just as important as getting the money. The goal is to improve your financial situation while avoiding stress later.

Want Fair Payment for Damages from a Car Accident? Hire a Lawyer.

“Getting paid” after a car accident means the same thing as “getting justice.” Everyone deserves justice. 

The problem is that not everyone:

• Knows the laws and how to use them to get paid after a car accident
• Recognizes and defends against insurance companies’ bad-faith strategies
• Negotiates effectively with liable parties, including but not limited to insurance companies

If you want to get paid after a car accident, you should always hire a trusted car accident attorney to be your advocate. They will pursue the compensation you deserve, not leaving anything on the table. Hiring an attorney is the obvious answer.

What Makes a Lawyer’s Service So Valuable After a Car Accident?

When you have suffered an injury in a car accident, you can have physical demands, cognitive burdens, and other challenges. Know that an attorney can file an insurance claim or lawsuit. 

Car accident lawyers are uniquely qualified to represent victims of negligence like you because:

• They have the education: Like many professionals, attorneys gain valuable education and training during law school. This education enables them to understand the law, confidently negotiate, and handle the many other responsibilities that come with car accident cases.
• They are trained: Even after they receive multiple years of legal education, attorneys undergo further training, generally upon being hired by their firm. Great law firms ensure their lawyers have many resources—including access to senior attorneys, law libraries, and accident reconstruction experts—so they can become more effective in practice areas like car accident cases.
• They have experience: There is no substitute for real-world experience representing car accident survivors and clients affected by fatal traffic accidents. Your lawyer’s history representing other accident survivors will enable them to identify negligence, spot bad-faith tactics from liable parties, personalize a strategy that’s tailored to your case, and overcome challenges without breaking their stride.
• They bring resources: Your lawyer will not just bring the benefit of their legal education, training, and experience to your case. They may also bring third-party experts, savvy paralegals, and plenty of financial support for whatever other resources your case requires.
• They can sue: An experienced car accident lawyer will tell you that most cases like yours do not go to trial. That being said, filing a lawsuit can be an important step in a car accident case, and it’s a step that can lead to court. Attorneys are educated, trained, and experienced in the art of the lawsuit, so hiring a lawyer allows you to file a suit (should you elect to).

There is a reason why lawyers and car accidents have become synonymous. Many victims want justice—want to get paid what they deserve—but recognize there are often hurdles to clear before a fair financial recovery is possible.

Let your lawyer overcome any hurdles between you and the compensation you deserve. You should be resting.

Ways a Lawyer Gets You Paid After a Car Accident

Your attorney may have a few options for garnering your compensation after a car wreck. Some of the strategies that car accident lawyers may use are:

Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Provider

Most states require every motorist to have valid auto insurance. Though states differ in who is financially at fault for a given accident, many hold the at-fault motorist’s insurer responsible for the victim’s losses.

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider

You may choose to file a claim with your insurance provider, particularly if:

• The at-fault driver is uninsured
• The amount of coverage the at-fault driver has is less than the cost of your accident-related losses
• Other circumstances lead you to seek compensation from your insurer

Lawyers do not generally care who they seek compensation from. The most important consideration is that the accident survivor receives the compensation they deserve.

The Bottom Line

After a car accident, getting paid involves many steps, from filing a claim to possibly pursuing a lawsuit. Florida laws and insurance practices can make the process seem complex, but staying informed and prepared makes recovery achievable.

If you’re in Orlando, Gainesville, Ocala, or other Florida areas and seeking help to recover what you’re owed, contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates, P.A. Call (800) 800-2575 for compassionate and trustworthy support. 

They stand behind their promise to fight for Florida’s injured.