What should you do if you have a personal injury during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In early March of 2020, the Florida Department of Health with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in our state. The pandemic has spread across the globe. “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” orders have asked us to work from home and stay home except for essential activities.
Of course, life goes on during this challenging time. Unfortunately, even though we’re driving less, for example, we’re still seeing that accidents are still happening. This does raise an important question: What should you do if you suffer a personal injury during the time of coronavirus?
We’re breaking down what you need to know if you or a loved one is severely injured during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for your Personal Injury
Serious personal injuries require professional medical attention. While emergency medical needs are always paramount, personal injuries that appear to be mild or moderate should also be examined by a medical doctor. While coronavirus is currently putting immense pressure on the health care system, there are still resources to treat personal injuries. Don’t be discouraged from seeking care. Accidents are still occurring and injured victims have a right to medical care. And, in Florida, to get the benefits you paid for under your insurance policy you must get care within 14 days after the accident. Doing that can give you the benefits you paid for, which can be up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits, on a no-fault basis.
Document Your Accident and Injuries
Apart from your own no-fault personal injury protection benefits, during the claims process against the driver that hurt you, you will be required to prove the at-fault driver’s liability as well as the extent of your damages. The more evidence you have, the better.
For example, if you are involved in an car crash you should exchange information with the other driver, report the crash to law enforcement, take photographs, and get contact information for any witnesses. However, this is the time of coronavirus, so it is important to keep the outbreak in mind when you are in public spaces and trying to gather this evidence. Be cautious and try to keep the proper social distance.
Don’t Wait – There Are Time Limits
The pandemic has caused disruptions in virtually all areas of life. But for the most part legal cases, including personal injury and wrongful death cases are moving forward. Just this week, I was on First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross on 89.9 WJCT (begins at 37:50) and discussed the court system and how it’s working remotely and using electronic technology for filing cases and holding hearings on Zoom.
If you’re injured in an accident, the statute of limitations still begins to run in your case. With no clear end in sight, you should not lose time waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to pass. We are able to handle cases remotely, and, when you take action right away, it puts you in the very best position to recover the compensation you deserve.
Free Phone Consultation
While much of life is on hold for the coronavirus, your personal injury claim can still move forward. The attorneys at Terrell • Hogan have the tools, resources, and technology to assist you remotely. We offer free, completely confidential telephone consultations. You can initiate your personal injury claim without having to visit our office.
904-722-2228 is the number to call.
