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FAQ's

I got a ticket. Can I still file a claim?

Yes. In Florida, receiving a ticket does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.

Fault in an accident is not determined solely by whether a citation was issued. In many cases, liability is disputed and more than one party may share responsibility for what occurred.

We have successfully recovered compensation for clients who were cited for an accident. The key is a careful evaluation of the facts, available evidence, and how the law applies to your situation.

If you were ticketed, you should not assume you do not have a case. You should have your situation reviewed by an experienced personal injury attorney.

I have “full coverage.” Why can I not pursue a claim?

“Full coverage” is not a legal term under Florida law.

Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection, also known as PIP, and Property Damage Liability coverage. PIP helps cover your medical expenses regardless of fault. Property Damage Liability is used to pay for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle.

What many people refer to as “full coverage” usually means a combination of optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Whether you can pursue a claim depends on the specific coverages in your policy, who is at fault, and the nature of your injuries or damages.

If you are unsure what your policy covers, you should have it reviewed so you understand your options.

I swerved to avoid a crash and hit something else. Can I still recover?

Possibly. These are often referred to as no contact or phantom vehicle cases.

If another driver’s actions caused you to take evasive action, you may still have a valid claim even if your vehicle did not make contact with another car. These cases depend on what caused you to swerve, whether your reaction was reasonable under the circumstances, and what evidence is available to support your claim.

Insurance companies often dispute these types of cases, so it is important to have the facts carefully evaluated.

If you were injured while trying to avoid a collision, you should have your case reviewed to determine whether recovery is possible.

Should I call the police after an accident?

Yes. When possible, you should contact law enforcement after an accident.

A crash report can document what happened, identify the parties involved, and preserve important details that may be needed later. Without a report, it can be more difficult to prove your claim or recover compensation.

After making sure everyone is safe, contacting law enforcement is an important step. You should also consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options.

©2026 by The St. Vil Firm.

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