Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What to Do — And How to Protect Your Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, you’re likely overwhelmed — dealing with pain, car damage, medical bills, time off work, and a stream of calls from insurance companies. You may even have received a settlement offer for a few hundred dollars.

Don’t take it.
Don’t sign anything.
Call our office first.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help injured Floridians get the medical treatment they need and the full compensation they’re entitled to — not just what the insurance company wants to offer. Here’s what to do after an accident, what insurance coverages come into play, and how we guide you through every step of your personal injury claim.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries (like soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal bleeding) may not be obvious right away.

• Go to the ER or urgent care
• Follow up with a doctor who understands accident-related injuries
• Keep detailed records of every visit, test, and recommendation

Step 2: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Florida’s auto insurance laws are complex. Here’s a breakdown of the key coverages that may apply:

✅ PIP – Personal Injury Protection (Mandatory)

• Covers up to $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages
• Applies regardless of fault
• Must seek treatment within 14 days of the crash
• Pays 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages

✅ Bodily Injury (BI) Liability

• Covers injuries you caused to someone else
• Not required under Florida law — many drivers do not carry BI coverage
• If the at-fault driver does have BI coverage, you can file a claim against it for damages beyond your PIP

✅ UM/UIM – Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

• Covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough
• Covers medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
• This coverage is optional — but vital in a state where many drivers are uninsured
• If you have it, we’ll help you file a claim with your own insurer — and yes, they will fight you like an opposing party

✅ Property Damage Liability (PDL)

• Covers repairs to your car — if the other driver caused the accident
• If the other driver is uninsured, your collision coverage (if purchased) may apply

Step 3: Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Don’t talk to the insurance adjuster without a lawyer
🚫 Don’t give a recorded statement
🚫 Don’t accept a quick settlement offer — even if it’s “urgent”
🚫 Don’t delay getting medical care — it can hurt your case and your health

Insurance companies often offer a few hundred dollars right after a crash, hoping you’ll accept before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Don’t do it.

Step 4: Call The Bonderud Law Firm Immediately

When you hire us, we:

✅ Coordinate your medical treatment with trusted providers
✅ Handle all communications with insurance companies
✅ Identify all available coverage — even when it’s hidden
✅ Build a strong case using medical records, police reports, crash data, and expert opinions
✅ Fight for the maximum possible settlement — or take your case to court if needed

We don’t let our clients settle for less. We don’t let insurance companies dictate the value of your pain. And we never treat you like a number.

Injured in a Crash? Let’s Take Care of It — Together.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you have one job: Focus on getting better.
We’ll take care of the rest.

Call The Bonderud Law Firm now.
We’ll guide you through the process, ensure you get the treatment you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve.