Someone Hit My Car in Florida: Whose Insurance Do I Call?

After a car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is, “Someone hit my car—whose insurance do I call?” In Florida, the answer depends on whether you are dealing with injuries or vehicle damage.

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which generally means you turn to your own insurance first for certain injury-related benefits. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. To preserve PIP benefits, you generally must receive medical treatment within 14 days of the crash.

Vehicle damage works differently. If another driver caused the accident, you can generally pursue a property-damage claim through that driver's insurance. If you carry collision coverage, however, you may choose to use your own policy for repairs, subject to your deductible and policy terms.

Before contacting an insurer, protect your claim by documenting the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, signs, and visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, gather witness details, and report the crash when required. Keep records of medical treatment, repair estimates, towing, rental vehicles, and other related expenses.

Your own insurance may also become important if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, or if the accident is a hit-and-run. Depending on your policy, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help with certain losses.

If your injuries exceed PIP benefits or involve serious or permanent impairment, you may have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver. Because insurance companies may dispute liability or the value of a claim, understanding which insurer to contact—and when—can help protect your rights.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.