Can You Claim Compensation for a Minor Car Accident in Florida?

Many people believe that if their car accident was “minor,” they don’t have the right to seek compensation, especially in a no-fault state like Florida. But that’s not necessarily true. Even in a low-speed crash or one with minimal vehicle damage, injuries can still occur. And under certain circumstances, you can absolutely pursue compensation beyond what your own insurance covers.

Florida operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. That means after most car accidents, you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP pays for a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, up to your policy limit (usually $10,000). But what if your injuries go beyond PIP? What if you need more care or your daily life is disrupted?

At Kemp Injury Law, we help Florida drivers understand their rights, even in cases that might seem minor at first. Here’s what you need to know about claiming compensation after a minor car accident in Florida.

What Counts as a “Minor” Car Accident?

A “minor” accident usually refers to a crash with little or no visible damage to the vehicles involved and no immediate, obvious injury to the people inside. This could include:

• Fender benders in a parking lot
• Rear-end collisions at low speeds
• Side-swipe accidents during a lane change
• Accidents where both vehicles are still driveable

But don’t let the word “minor” fool you. Even low-impact collisions can cause real harm, especially to the neck, back, or head. Common injuries include whiplash, soft tissue damage, concussions, and joint sprains. These may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over the days or weeks following the accident.

Can You File a Claim for Compensation?

Yes, you can. Florida’s system gives you the right to recover medical expenses and lost wages under your own PIP policy. But in many cases, that coverage may not be enough, or the injuries may qualify you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

Here’s how it works:

• Your PIP covers you up to your policy limit, regardless of fault.
• If your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold,” you can sue the at-fault driver for additional damages such as pain and suffering, long-term disability, or future medical costs.

Under Florida law, a “serious injury” includes:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If your injuries meet one of these criteria, even after a low-impact accident, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Why Minor Accidents Can Still Have Major Impact

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a minor accident is assuming they’re fine and declining medical care. Unfortunately, some injuries, especially soft tissue damage, take time to become noticeable. By then, you may have already missed the opportunity to document your injury and protect your legal options.

Here are a few ways even minor accidents can result in major complications:

• Delayed onset of pain – You may not feel symptoms until hours or days later.
• Loss of mobility – Even minor injuries can impact your ability to work, drive, or care for your family.
• Emotional distress – Anxiety, sleep disruption, or post-traumatic stress can arise after any accident.

The cost of treating these issues can quickly exceed your PIP coverage. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out by a doctor right away and to speak with a car accident attorney about your rights, even if the crash seemed minor at first.

What Damages Can You Recover Outside of PIP?

If your injuries qualify you to step outside Florida’s no-fault system, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses not covered by PIP
• Future medical care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or reduced quality of life

Each case is different, and the amount you can claim depends on the details of your injury, your expenses, and how the accident has affected your life. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure that all relevant damages are included in your claim.

How an Attorney Can Help You After a Minor Accident

Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries from minor accidents. They may argue that you’re exaggerating or that your symptoms were preexisting. They might also pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your needs.

A skilled car accident attorney can help you:

• Gather medical evidence to support your claim
• Prove the seriousness of your injuries
• Calculate the full value of your losses
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Take legal action if a fair settlement isn’t offered

At Kemp Injury Law, we’re committed to helping Florida drivers recover what they deserve, no matter how “minor” the crash might appear. We handle every case with care, detail, and determination.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Winter Haven or anywhere in Florida, contact us today. We’ll review your case for free and help you understand whether you can pursue compensation beyond your PIP coverage.