While reports indicate that car accident fatalities and traffic volume decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to stay-at-home orders, some Floridians still get into vehicle crashes during the pandemic.
Dealing with a Car Crash During the Pandemic is Challenging
While getting into a car crash can feel overwhelming even in normal times, being injured in a vehicle crash during the coronavirus crisis can feel confusing and frustrating, mostly because victims may face added challenges:
- Courts are closed. At the time of writing, Florida courts remain closed for all but “essential” proceedings. Because of this, car accident victims may not be able to pursue personal injury claims during the pandemic, especially if they want to take their case to trial. Besides, with many Florida law firms closing their offices during the coronavirus crisis, it can be difficult to get legal help. However, our attorneys at The Turnbull Firm continue to work remotely and still offer consultations.
- Seeking medical attention can be tough. Depending on the urgency of your medical care, it can be challenging to receive treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many hospitals are overrun with coronavirus patients. Many hospitals dedicated their resources and equipment to treat patients with COVID-19, which is why non-essential surgeries and treatments can be postponed or canceled.
- The fear of COVID-19 infection. Also, those who were injured before or during the coronavirus crisis may worry about going to a hospital to seek medical attention due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Many are reluctant to visit hospitals out of fear of infection.
- Your claim can be delayed. As insurance companies are getting more calls from policyholders to adjust their premiums and facing more pressure to settle claims, you may have to deal with longer wait times when reporting your auto accident or making a claim.
- Increased pressure from the insurer to settle your claim. During the COVID-19 pandemic, expect lowball settlement offers from insurance companies. Insurers are taking advantage of the financial uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crisis, which is why many are offering settlement offers that do not reflect the claimant’s costs. Typically, those lowball offers do not cover the full scope of the victim’s losses and damages.
While you may have a reasonable fear of contracting coronavirus when visiting a hospital after a car accident, seeking medical attention is a critical step in any personal injury case. After all, you cannot maximize your financial compensation without documenting the extent of your injury and receiving the appropriate medical treatment as recommended by your healthcare provider.
You should also document your expenses and losses related to the car crash. But what should you do about the loss of income? Can you recover lost wages if your injury prevents you from working, but your business remains closed due to Florida’s stay-at-home order? That depends on your circumstances. Consult with our Lakeland auto accident attorneys. Contact The Turnbull Firm to receive a free case review. Call at 863-324-3500.
Resources:
thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/490601-amid-coronavirus-lockdowns-traffic-accidents-in
wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/florida-courts-ordered-cancel-all-essential-proceedings-amid-concerns-over-coronavirus