Will the COVID-19 virus affect Florida personal injury and auto accident cases?

Like much of the country, the Treasure Coast is experiencing the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. As interruptions, closures and cancellations continue in adherence to Florida’s social distancing guidelines, many car accident victims and their families have questions about how the coronavirus may impact pending or potential personal injury claims. The answer, like it is for many things during this time, is that it depends.

Though there is a great deal of uncertainty about the future, our firm is providing some insight on what to expect with legal proceedings as Florida confronts this pandemic.

How are you currently handling new and existing personal injury and auto accident cases?

We are working very hard during the COVID-19 crisis because we know our clients need us now more than ever. To adhere to Treasure Coast social distancing mandates, we have curtailed client office visits. However, we are set-up to continue operations entirely remote. This means we are able to meet with you via phone, video calls, and email. You can also hire us electronically. We will start working on your case immediately, and you won’t ever have to leave your home.
Find out more about our remote services here.

Will medical treatments be more limited because of COVID-19?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused many Treasure Coast medical clinics to limit client visits or offer reduced hours. And, if local hospitals become overrun with coronavirus patients, you may have difficulty scheduling appointments with medical specialists.

While it is important that you receive necessary medical treatment for your injuries, concerns about delaying or re-scheduling doctor’s appointments because of the coronavirus is understandable. We advise that you consult with your doctor about how to proceed. Most physicians have implemented COVID-19 safety procedures to protect patients seeking medical help. Yet, if your doctor recommends delaying or re-scheduling your appointment for a later date, then that is what you should do.

Should I avoid emergency rooms, clinics and doctor’s office due to the coronavirus?

As we said above, concerns about visiting medical clinics and facilities during this time is understandable. However, Treasure Coast emergency rooms have implemented safety COVID-19 procedures to protect patients seeking medical help. The best thing to do is consult with your doctor about whether or not to continue treatment.

What if I contract COVID-19 while obtaining medical treatment for my current personal injury claim?

Most individuals who contract COVID-19, or any other illness for that matter, are instructed to practice social distancing to reduce the risk of infecting others. Yet, each situation and case is unique. Therefore, you should discuss with your doctors about what to do.

If you believe you have contracted the coronavirus and are too ill to attend your doctor’s appointments, chiropractor appointments, or physical therapy appointments, you should contact your care team immediately so they can address this issue and provide a solution. They may want you to delay treatment or reschedule your appointments.

What can I do to help my personal injury case move along during the COVID-19 crisis?

The Treasure Coast personal injury attorneys and legal team at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd are working remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. This means that we are using phone and email to communicate with our clients. Therefore, the best thing you can do during this time is regularly check your phone and email for any messages from your attorney or case manager.

If I get injured while working from home during the COVID-19 crisis, can I file for workers’ compensation?

Usually, workers’ compensation must accept claims for employees who have been injured or contracted an illness due to some aspect of their employment—regardless of where they occur. With that said, it may be difficult to prove your injuries in a home environment. You should speak with one of our experienced Treasure Coast workers’ compensation attorneys about your potential claim.

Will drivers cancel or reduce their car insurance policies because of the coronavirus?

We certainly hope people don’t cancel or reduce their car insurance policies. Florida has the highest number of uninsured drivers than any other state. With 26.7% of all drivers not carrying insurance, Florida is already one of the riskiest places to drive.

If we go into a significant financial recession because of the coronavirus pandemic, then people may stop paying or reducing their insurance premiums. This could be catastrophic. Being injured in an accident caused by someone without insurance means there will not be any money to recover on your behalf.

For this reason, we strongly advise everyone to have at least 100K, and preferably 300K or more, of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, on your own policy.  This type of policy covers you if someone else isn’t carrying sufficient insurance. Check out our blog on uninsured motorist coverage to learn more.

How long will hearings and courthouse procedures be delayed?

The Florida Supreme Court issued a new emergency order on April 6, 2020, that suspended jury trials and extended other legal deadlines through the end of May because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, some personal injury cases may take longer to resolve. However, at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we keeping our clients’ cases moving as quickly as possible.

If you are a new personal injury client that we have signed during this time, the good news is that we can start the proceedings of your case entirely remotely. You won’t have to come into the office; we can meet over the phone or via email; and we can help you get into a rental car, find medical specialists, and handle the insurance companies so you don’t have to. This will help keep your case on a fast track to settlement.

Will insurance companies try to pay less during the coronavirus?

It’s safe to assume that insurance company profits may also decline during the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, insurance companies may try to low-ball some car accident settlements. But at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we don’t accept low-ball offers.

You won’t have to worry about insurance companies trying to pay you less for your personal injury or car accident case with us on your side. We will fight for every penny you deserve. Our personal injury department is led by Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney Steve Hoskins, who has won over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are a small, local law firm, so this shows that we go after the top settlement amounts for our clients.

Are you accepting new personal injury cases during the coronavirus pandemic?

Yes! We take calls from injured clients 24/7/365 days a year. Although we have curtailed client office visits, you can still meet with us and hire us electronically via your phone. Our team is set up to operate remotely during this time. This means we can start working on your case and getting you the help and relief you need without you ever having to leave your home.
Learn more about our remote services here.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call us now: 866-930-6435

Car accidents happen in a terrifying instant that can leave you feeling hurt, scared and confused about what to do next. One of the most important things you can do is contact the experienced Treasure Coast accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd immediately. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help you.

We will do everything in our power to make this difficult time as stress-free as possible, starting with our remote services. We can review your case, consult with you – and even file your case – via Skype, FaceTime, phone and email.

Set up your remote consultation now.

Call us at 866-930-6435