Getting hurt in a crash is stressful enough. It can feel even more confusing when you were driving someone else’s car at the time. Many people worry about who will pay for medical bills, whether insurance applies, and what steps to take next. If you were injured while driving another person’s vehicle in Jacksonville, Florida, the following information can help you protect your health and your rights.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Your health should always come first. Call 911 after the crash if anyone is hurt, or go to an emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms can appear hours or days later. Prompt medical care creates a record of your injuries, which may matter later if you need to file an insurance claim.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment can make it harder to show that the crash caused your injuries.
Call the Police and Get a Crash Report
Florida law requires drivers to report crashes that involve injuries. When police come to the scene, they will prepare an official accident report. This report often includes details about the drivers, vehicles, insurance, and what may have caused the crash.
Ask how to get a copy of the report. It can be an important piece of evidence if there is a dispute about what happened.
Exchange Information and Gather Evidence
If you are able, collect information at the scene.
This includes:
- Names and contact details of all drivers involved
- Insurance information for each vehicle
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
Take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, the road, traffic signals, and weather conditions. These details can help explain how the crash occurred.
Understand How Insurance May Apply
Many people are surprised to learn that car insurance usually follows the vehicle, not the driver. In many cases, the car owner’s insurance may provide coverage if you were driving with permission. That policy may help cover medical bills or other losses.
Florida is also a no-fault state. This means personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may pay some medical expenses and lost income, no matter who caused the crash. Questions can arise when multiple policies are involved, such as the car owner’s insurance and your own policy. An attorney can help sort through these issues.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the crash. They may seem helpful, but their goal is often to limit what the company pays. Be polite, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement without understanding your options.
Do not guess about fault or downplay your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you may give up the right to seek more compensation later.
Keep Records of Your Losses
Save all documents related to the accident. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and proof of missed work. Write down how your injuries affect your daily life, such as pain, sleep problems, or limits on activities. These records can help show the full impact of the crash.
Know That Fault Still Matters
Even though Florida uses a no-fault system, fault can still play a role, especially if injuries are serious. If another driver caused the crash, you may be able to pursue a claim against that driver. If more than one person shares blame, Florida’s comparative fault rules may apply.
When you were driving someone else’s car, questions about responsibility can become complex. An experienced attorney can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
Call the Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you were hit while driving someone else’s car in Jacksonville, FL, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options. Our team can answer your questions and explain how the law may apply to your situation. Contact our Jacksonville car accident lawyers today to learn more about how we assist injured people after car accidents.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167