Can I File a Car Accident Claim if I’m an Illegal Immigrant in Florida?
There are more than 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, of which over 850,000 are in Florida. Undocumented immigrants are just as likely to get injured in motor vehicle accidents, but are they entitled to compensation if they are hurt in a car crash? Or does their immigration statute prevent them from filing a car accident claim to seek compensation?
If you are an undocumented immigrant who was injured in a vehicle crash in Miami, do not hesitate to contact our Miami car accident attorneys at Pita Weber Del Prado to help you navigate the claims process and receive the compensation you deserve.
Are illegal immigrants eligible to file personal injury claims in Florida?
Illegal immigrants are exposed to the same dangers as other Americans. Undocumented aliens in Florida are just as likely to be hurt in a car crash as U.S. citizens.
While illegal immigrants do not enjoy many of the legal protections as U.S. citizens, they are eligible to file personal injury claims when they were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
What damages can you recover as an undocumented immigrant?
In fact, when an undocumented immigrant sustains injuries in a car crash or any other accident caused by another person’s negligence, they are entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages without having to discuss their immigration status.
As an illegal alien, you may be able to get compensated for your medical bills, disability, pain and suffering, and certain other damages without having to disclose your immigrant status.
However, if you want to make a claim for lost future earnings, your immigration status will be discussed [Villasenor v. Martinez, 991 So.2d 433, 436 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008)].
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for work-related accidents
If your car accident arose out of and in the course and scope of employment, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Section 440.185, Florida Statutes.
If you are an illegal immigrant who was injured in a car crash or another work-related accident while performing your job duties, contact an attorney to help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits.
Why you need a Miami car accident attorney
It is important to seek help from a knowledgeable car accident attorney if you are an illegal immigrant who was hurt in a car crash. Reasons why you need a Miami car accident attorney as an undocumented immigrant include:
- You may not be fluent or proficient in the English language to handle your claim effectively;
- You may not know how the legal system works;
- You may have trouble communicating with the insurance company; and
- You may fear that your immigration status can prevent you from recovering damages.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney will help you build a strong claim and collect sufficient evidence to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers at Pita Weber Del Prado will also address your concerns about your undocumented states in order to protect you from the unintended consequences.
Schedule a case review with our Miami car accident attorneys at Pita Weber Del Prado by calling 305-670-2889.
Resource:
pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/12/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/
