Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Orlando?

If you were injured, talk to a personal injury attorney — that is legal work and ACE Orlando does not do it. We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice. What we do handle is the property damage side of the same crash, and we can work alongside your attorney.

Does ACE Orlando handle personal injury claims?

No. We are property damage advocates. Bodily injury claims belong with a licensed Florida attorney. If you already have one, we coordinate with them so the vehicle claim does not get lost while the injury case runs.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?

Notify your insurer promptly — most policies require prompt notice — and get medical care within 14 days to protect PIP benefits. Statutory deadlines for lawsuits differ from policy deadlines, so ask an attorney about your specific case.

The other driver was at fault. Whose insurance pays for my car?

Usually the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage. You can also repair through your own collision coverage and let the carriers sort out reimbursement. We will tell you which route gets you back on the road faster.

What if the other driver had no insurance?

Uninsured motorist and collision coverage on your own policy may apply. Bring the declarations page and we will read the coverage with you before you file anything.

After the Crash

Hit in Orlando? Here's the Order of Operations.

Injuries go to a doctor and an attorney. The vehicle comes to us. This page walks the first 72 hours so nothing gets lost between the two.

ACE Orlando is not a law firm and nothing here is legal advice. For injury claims, speak with a licensed Florida personal injury attorney. We handle the property damage side of your crash and coordinate with your attorney when you have one.

The first 72 hours

Step 1

Get medical attention first

Injuries matter more than the car. Florida's no-fault PIP coverage generally requires you to be seen by a qualifying medical provider within 14 days of the crash, or that benefit can be lost.

Step 2

Get the crash report

Orlando Police, Orange County Sheriff, or FHP will file a report. Note the report number at the scene — every carrier will ask for it, and it drives the liability decision.

Step 3

Photograph everything

All four corners of both vehicles, the license plates, the scene, skid marks, and any debris. Photos taken at the scene settle disputes that statements cannot.

Step 4

Be careful with the recorded statement

The other driver's carrier will call fast and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one to another driver's insurer, and early guesses about speed or pain get used against you.

Step 5

Handle injury and property damage separately

They are two different claims. An attorney handles bodily injury. We handle the vehicle — repairs, supplements, total loss valuation, and diminished value — so neither gets shortchanged.

Step 6

Do not accept the first property damage offer

First offers are written from photos and software defaults, before tear-down. That is the cheapest number the carrier will ever put in front of you.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Orlando?: If you were injured, talk to a personal injury attorney — that is legal work and ACE Orlando does not do it. We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice. What we do handle is the property damage side of the same crash, and we can work alongside your attorney.
Does ACE Orlando handle personal injury claims?: No. We are property damage advocates. Bodily injury claims belong with a licensed Florida attorney. If you already have one, we coordinate with them so the vehicle claim does not get lost while the injury case runs.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?: Notify your insurer promptly — most policies require prompt notice — and get medical care within 14 days to protect PIP benefits. Statutory deadlines for lawsuits differ from policy deadlines, so ask an attorney about your specific case.
The other driver was at fault. Whose insurance pays for my car?: Usually the at-fault driver's property damage liability coverage. You can also repair through your own collision coverage and let the carriers sort out reimbursement. We will tell you which route gets you back on the road faster.
What if the other driver had no insurance?: Uninsured motorist and collision coverage on your own policy may apply. Bring the declarations page and we will read the coverage with you before you file anything.