Every day, drivers across Florida find themselves in fender benders and low-impact collisions. These incidents may seem insignificant. Just an exchange of insurance cards and you’re on your way. But then the questions start creeping in: What if my back starts hurting tomorrow? What if the other driver changes their story? Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
You’re not alone in wondering. At Maranatha Law, we’ve represented countless individuals in Lakeland and throughout Polk County who initially thought they didn’t need legal help until things took a turn. In this blog post, we’ll explain why it pays to pause, assess, and consult a professional before making assumptions.
Even Minor Accidents Can Get Complicated
Let’s be clear: Florida law doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer after every crash. But just because you can go it alone doesn’t mean you should.
Especially in a state like Florida, where over 381,000 crashes occurred in 2024, with thousands categorized as “minor” that still often result in long-term issues, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
You may think your accident is no big deal—no ambulance, no airbag deployment, and only a small dent in your bumper. But what seems minor now can snowball into major expenses, legal confusion, and insurance dead ends.
What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?
The term “minor” can be misleading. So, what is considered a minor car accident in Florida?
Generally, a minor car wreck involves:
- Vehicle damage under $500-$1,000,
- No visible injuries at the scene,
- Vehicles that remain drivable,
- No airbag deployment, and
- No immediate emergency response required.
However, minor doesn’t mean inconsequential. Whiplash, back pain, and soft-tissue injuries often take hours or days to surface. Insurance adjusters know this and may try to settle your claim before symptoms appear.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault state. That means your insurance provider pays for your medical bills, regardless of who caused the accident. Florida law requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), covering up to $10,000 in medical expenses.
However, PIP has key limitations. It only covers medical expenses and lost wages, not vehicle damage or pain and suffering. If your injuries are considered “non-emergency,” your PIP benefits may be capped at just $2,500, not the full $10,000.
PIP is intended to provide quick help, but in many cases, it falls short, especially if your injuries are more serious or your costs exceed coverage limits. If that happens, it may be time to speak with a lawyer to understand your options for pursuing additional compensation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
We hear this question all the time. Our answer is simple: If you have any doubts, call us.
Here’s when you absolutely should consider hiring a lawyer for a minor car accident:
- You feel any discomfort or pain post-accident,
- The insurance company denies or delays your claim,
- The other driver blames you or disputes fault,
- You suspect the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, or
- You’re unsure how to document or report the accident properly.
Even if you’re not ready to retain a lawyer, speaking with one for a consultation can help you protect your legal rights and avoid making costly mistakes.
Why Going It Alone Can Cost You
You may think your insurance company is there to help. But in reality, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even when you’re their customer.
They may offer a low settlement before injuries surface, which can leave you with insufficient funds to cover the actual cost of dealing with what you have been through. They may also require confusing documentation or deny your claim based on vague or inaccurate interpretations.
If you don’t have someone in your corner who understands how to negotiate, challenge lowball offers, and collect proper evidence, you’re playing a dangerous guessing game.
How Maranatha Law Helps You Win, Even in “Small” Cases
At Maranatha Law, we handle business. Our legal team brings sharp attention to detail and bold advocacy to every case, large or small. We don’t just process claims, we fight to protect your financial and physical future.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly;
- Communicate directly with insurance companies;
- Confirm medical documentation supports your injury claims;
- Assess the full value of your damages, now and long-term; and
- File claims or lawsuits within Florida’s two-year statute of limitations
You deserve compensation for all your losses, not just the ones that fit neatly into a claim form.
Accidents don’t have to be major to cause major headaches. Let us step in and handle the hard stuff.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CASE REVIEWIt’s Your Story, and We’re Here to Help
You didn’t ask for this accident. You’re just trying to get your life back to normal. Maybe you’re dealing with vehicle repairs, sore muscles, or missed workdays. It’s frustrating, stressful, and time-consuming. You’re the kind of person who handles your own business. So are we.
At Maranatha Law, we empower you to make informed decisions. We work to protect you from legal pitfalls and help ensure you don’t leave money on the table just because an accident seemed minor.
Take Action: Speak with a Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
Still wondering, Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Florida? Ultimately, the answer depends on your specific circumstances, but if you’re asking, it’s time to talk to an attorney.
Our Lakeland-based team offers confidential consultations for accident victims. We aim for you to leave the conversation knowing exactly where you stand and what your next step should be.
Let us handle the paperwork, insurance calls, and negotiations while you focus on healing.
Get in Touch with Maranatha Law Today
We are bold. We are thorough. We are relentless advocates for people who don’t settle for less. If you’ve been involved in a minor car wreck, don’t wait to see how things “play out.” Take control of your outcome today.
Resources
- Florida personal injury statute of limitations, Fla. Stat. § 95.11 – Link
