Can a Vehicle Accident Lead to Deportation?
Your immigration status should not affect your right to seek compensation after a crash. Still, many worry that reporting a collision and filing a claim or lawsuit could jeopardize the life they built in the United States. This should not be an issue. You should not have to discuss your status during any part of the process. If you have concerns, we invite you to contact our team for help navigating the process.
A accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato represents clients hurt in Florida crashes regardless of their immigration status. We know the steps to take to protect our client’s rights and prevent them from being deported for a car accident.
Call (954) 633-8270 for a free case review with our team.
Does a Car Accident Affect Immigration?
We often hear questions from undocumented immigrants injured in Florida collisions who are unsure about their rights. Well-meaning friends or community members warn them about the possibility of arrest or deportation, and they are unsure how to proceed with their claim. The answer is this: Just like anyone else.
If you are in a car accident, you should notify the police. Have them come to the scene and write a crash report. See a doctor for your injuries. Let us assess your legal options and explain the best way to recover compensation based on the case facts.
What If I Do Not Have a Driver’s License?
Sometimes, an unlicensed driver will hesitate to report a crash because they do not have a license. While you could receive a ticket, this factor should not affect your case. You can still file insurance claims to recover compensation. You may even sue the other driver if you suffered serious injuries and there is evidence to show they caused the crash.
It is also very unlikely that you would be detained or deported for receiving a traffic ticket for driving without a license. You should take care of the ticket, whether that requires paying it or going to court. Not doing so could have other legal ramifications.
Our Car Accident Lawyers Protect Client’s Rights and Fight for Their Best Interests
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers do not believe your immigration status should play any role in your car accident claim or lawsuit. The judge or court officials should not inquire about your documentation. You do not need a Social Security Number or other immigration paperwork to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if this action needs to occur in your case. Our team can handle any issues that arise.
Sometimes, an insurance company will try to intimidate a crash victim by bringing up their immigration status or even threatening them with reporting them to authorities. Our team knows how to manage these tactics and keep the conversation focused on your right to seek and recover fair compensation. The truth is that some insurance adjusters will try anything to reduce the money their company has to pay. However, we fight for what our clients deserve.
We take these cases to mediation, arbitration, or trial when necessary. Your immigration status should not come up in any of these situations. If it comes up in court, we know what to do. We do not allow the defendant’s attorneys to violate our client’s rights because of their documentation status.
How Can Immigrants in Florida Pursue Damages After a Car Crash?
Under Florida Statutes § 627.730, the state requires all drivers to carry a personal injury protection (PIP) policy that pays for the policyholder’s medical care and lost wages after a crash. This coverage is known as “no-fault insurance.” This policy should cover 80 percent of medical bills and 60 percent of income losses regardless of fault in the crash.
Filing a claim usually begins with contacting your PIP provider and informing them of the crash. However, some victims can sue the at-fault driver or pursue other fault-based compensation for their injuries. This allows them to seek additional types of damages, including pain and suffering compensation. These damages can significantly increase the value of the case for those with serious injuries.
You should not need to discuss your immigration status at any point in this process. Our Florida car accident lawyers know how to protect your best interests while navigating your claim or lawsuit. Let’s talk about your options during a free consultation.
Discuss Your Car Accident Case With a Team Member for Free Today
Our team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato offers free case assessments for car accident victims. We will help you understand your rights and options regardless of your immigration status. Call (954) 633-8270 or use the online form to contact us today. Don’t worry about paying us any fees upfront. We only collect payment if and when you recover compensation.
