Florida Statute Makes Windshield Repairs Free
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Florida Law
A damaged windshield can be dangerous. It might affect your vision while driving. The windshield could shatter while driving.
Unfortunately, dealing with a cracked or broken windshield can be frustrating. In addition to finding the time for a windshield repair, you might not have the money to fix a chipped, cracked, or broken windshield.
While Florida law cannot do anything about your time, it can save you money. In most cases, windshield repairs are free in Florida.
Free Windshield Repairs for Florida Drivers
Windshield damage can happen quickly and without warning. A truck driving in front of you on the interstate could throw a rock onto your windshield, causing it to chip or crack. A sudden Florida thunderstorm could result in hail damage to the windshield.
Whatever the reason might be for the windshield damage, your insurance company might be required to pay for the repair.
Under Florida Statute §627.7288, your insurance deductible for comprehensive coverage does not apply to motor vehicle glass. Therefore, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage or combined additional coverage, the insurance company must pay to fix or replace the windshield. You cannot be charged anything for the repair.
One reason for the law is to protect the public. Broken, chipped, and cracked windshields can cause traffic accidents.
It is in the public’s best interest that drivers repair windshield damage immediately. By eliminating the deductible for a windshield repair, the state encourages drivers to quickly repair or replace a damaged windshield.
If your windshield is damaged, contact a repair shop. Most repair shops know about the windshield repair statute and will verify coverage with your insurance provider. If you have questions, you can contact an insurance agent.
Other Steps Drivers Can Take to Reduce the Risk of a Traffic Accidents
The manufacturer recommends general vehicle maintenance. The owner’s manual should list the suggested maintenance for your vehicle. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down on the road, which could lead to a car accident.
Steps owners can take to reduce the risk of car wrecks because of vehicle conditions include:
- Rotate tires to avoid wear and tear
- Replace worn tires before they become hazardous
- Schedule routine maintenance and inspections
- Replace worn or broken windshield wipers
- Change burnt-out lights
- Replace worn brakes and parts immediately
You can be held liable for damages from an accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance. For example, if your brakes fail because you ignored signs that your brakes needed repair, you could be liable for damages caused by a rear-end accident.
Even if the other driver caused the accident, you could be partially liable for damages. At the very least, your compensation for damages could be reduced by your percentage of fault for causing the crash under Florida’s contributory fault laws.
It is essential to keep in mind that defective automotive parts and systems could contribute to the cause of a crash. For example, do not assume a blown tire is your fault. The manufacturer could be liable for damages under product liability laws if the tire were defective.
The cause of a traffic accident can be difficult to determine. A Florida car accident lawyer can investigate the cause of the crash to identify the party or parties liable for damages.
I Thought Florida Was a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Florida’s no-fault insurance system generally prevents people from filing lawsuits for injuries sustained in a car accident. Instead, accident victims file claims against their PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage for medical bills and lost wages. However, PIP does not pay those expenses in full, and it does not compensate you for other damages.
However, victims who sustain severe injuries may sue the at-fault driver for damages. Therefore, you could recover additional compensation if you sustain serious injuries in a car accident.
The types of damages you might receive depend on the circumstances of your accident. You could receive compensation for:
- All past and future medical bills and expenses
- Property damages
- All past and future loss of income and benefits
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries
- A decrease in your quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and trauma
- Future lost wages and decreases in earning potential
- Permanent impairments, scarring, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses and costs
- Long-term nursing care and personal care
The amount of the jury verdict or settlement agreement depends on your injuries, whether you contributed to the cause of the car crash, and other factors. If you are unsure what to do after a car accident, you might want to take advantage of a free consultation to discuss your case with an injury attorney.
Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg car accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Pinellas County, and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765,
United States
727-796-8282
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712,
United States
(727) 349-1728