While traffic is lighter during the COVID-19 crisis, due in part to reduced tourism and more people staying at home, car accidents are still a major concern. In fact, you have been in a car crash in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida, you may face added challenges because:
- Courts are closed: At the time of this writing, courts in Miami-Dade and Broward are closed, though the situation can change from day to day. This can make it harder to file a claim if you expect to go to trial. With many attorneys only working virtually and some closing offices, it may be more challenging to get legal help. Fortunately, the legal team at Flaxman Law Group continues to work remotely and can still offer free accident consultations.
- It may be more challenging to get medical care: Many dental offices are closed right now, though you can still get emergency appointments. Many medical service providers are focused on COVID-19, so non-essential surgeries and treatments may be affected. In addition, those who are injured may worry about getting access to medical care and may be concerned about exposure if they need to go to an emergency room. Be assured: you can still contact 911 and you should absolutely visit an emergency room of physician if you have been injured in a car accident and your symptoms may be serious.
- Insurance companies are facing increased calls: Car owners who can no longer go to work because their workplace has been closed due to the pandemic may be calling service providers, including insurance companies, if they can no longer pay premiums. In addition, workers who no longer have to drive to work are calling insurance companies to adjust their premiums. Insurers may also be facing more pressure to settle claims quickly. You still need to call your insurer if you want to make a claim or need to report a crash, but be aware of longer wait times and be prepared to address lowball offers which do not reflect your costs.
- You may be facing more financial pressure: If your hours have been reduced or your work or business has been affected by COVID-19, the expense involved in a car accident can be very worrisome. You may wonder how you will pay for a rental, car repairs, medical bills, and other costs. Even costs you may have been able to cover before may now seem daunting, and this can have serious long-term consequences for your finances if your insurer is not willing to pay fairly for your covered costs.
For all these reasons, it is more important than ever before to document your expenses and injuries carefully if you have been in a collision and to work with experienced Hollywood car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you need to pay for your costs.
Contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a car accident attorney in Hollywood. Our legal services are still available during the current health crisis and we are using online technology to continue to offer legal representation and free accident consultations to our clients.