If you’ve just been through a Hollywood car accident and you’re staring at a damaged vehicle, mounting medical bills, and calls from an insurance company you don’t fully trust, filing a National General claim can feel confusing and overwhelming. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, accepting a low settlement, or missing an important deadline under Florida law. Understanding how the National General claim process works after a crash in Florida—and how a Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer with a long history in South Florida can protect you—can make a very hard day feel more manageable.
Below is an in-depth guide tailored to car crashes in and around Hollywood, Florida, with specific focus on what to do when National General is one of the insurers involved.
Understanding How National General Fits into a Florida Car Accident Case
After a crash in Florida, National General can be involved in several ways:
- You’re insured by National General (first-party claim).
- The at-fault driver is insured by National General (third-party liability claim).
- Both drivers carry National General policies, making multiple claims possible under different coverages.
At the same time, Florida has its own auto insurance framework you must deal with:
- Florida remains a no-fault state through at least July 1, 2026, which means most drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage under the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law (Fla. Stat. §§ 627.730–627.7405, § 627.736).
- PIP usually covers up to $10,000 in medical care and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault.
- To pursue pain and suffering and other non-economic damages in many personal injury cases, you often must meet Florida’s permanent injury threshold under Fla. Stat. § 627.737.
When a National General claim is part of the picture, you’re combining the rules of your policy (or the other driver’s policy) with these Florida statutes and any pending legislative changes. As of November 2025, Florida is still operating under its PIP/no-fault structure, though there are active efforts in the legislature to shift toward a fault-based system.
Step One: Prioritize Safety and Protect the Scene
Before you even think about an insurance claim number, your priority is your health and safety at the scene of the crash.
Immediate Actions at the Crash Scene
If you’re physically able:
- Call 911 right away. This gets police and EMS on the scene and creates an official crash report, which will become important evidence in your claim and any later lawsuit.
- Check for injuries. Start with yourself, then your passengers, then others involved in the accident. Even if injuries seem minor at first, internal injuries or concussions may not show symptoms immediately.
- Move to safety, if possible. If the car is drivable and it’s safe, move it out of the traffic lane, switch on hazard lights, and set out LED flares or triangles if available.
- Exchange information. Get names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details (including whether a driver is covered by National General).
- Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle positions and damage
- Road conditions, skid marks, debris
- Traffic signals and signs
- Visible injuries
- Weather and lighting conditions
The more clearly you capture the crash scene, the easier it is later to investigate fault, reconstruct what happened, and support your version of events if a National General adjuster questions your story.
Step Two: Seek Prompt Medical Care and Protect Your Health
From an injury perspective, the clock starts running the moment the crash happens. With Florida’s PIP system, timing matters:
- Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736, you generally must seek initial medical care within 14 days of the accident to access PIP benefits. Waiting longer can give your insurance company room to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash.
Why Immediate Medical Care Matters
- Some injuries (like whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, and mild traumatic brain injuries) may not fully show symptoms right away.
- Delayed treatment can be used by an insurance company to fight your claim, arguing that you weren’t really hurt or that something else caused your symptoms.
- Medical records become key evidence when you later seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, suffering, and other damages.
If you’re hurt, you need to go to the ER, visit urgent care, or see your doctor as soon as you can. Tell them clearly that you were in a car accident and describe all your symptoms, even if they seem minor.
Step Three: Understand Florida Insurance Basics Before You Call National General
Before you file any National General claim, it helps to understand what coverage might apply.
Core Florida Auto Coverages
Under Florida law, most drivers must carry:
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection):
- Minimum of $10,000 in coverage
- Typically covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages after a car crash, regardless of who caused the accident.
- PDL (Property Damage Liability):
- Minimum of $10,000 in coverage
- Pays for damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property.
Depending on the policy, there may also be:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BI): Pays for injury damages if you’re at fault (though historically not required for all private drivers in Florida).
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Steps in if an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
- Collision Coverage: Helps cover repair or replacement of your car, regardless of fault, and subject to a deductible.
In many Hollywood car accident cases, multiple coverages interact at once—PIP, collision, UM/UIM, and the at-fault driver’s liability coverage (which may be with National General).
Step Four: Reporting a National General Claim After a Florida Crash
After emergency medical attention and collecting the basic facts, you’ll need to start the claim process.
How to Start a National General Claim
According to National General’s claims information:
- You can call National General’s claims service at the number listed on your policy card
- You may also be able to report your claim online or use web chat to reach a loss-taking specialist.
When you call, be ready with:
- Your name, address, and contact information
- Your policy number (if you’re the National General policyholder)
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Basic details about how the accident happened
- Names and contact information for the other drivers and any witnesses
- The name of the Hollywood, FL law enforcement agency that responded and the report number (if you have it)
Keep your description factual and neutral. Avoid speculating about fault, and do not elaborate on the full scope of your injuries on that first call, as those are details your lawyer will later work with you to establish in order to protect and support your claim.
First-Party vs. Third-Party National General Claims in Florida
The type of National General claim you file depends on who is insured by National General and which coverage is triggered.
First-Party Claims (You’re Insured by National General)
If your own vehicle policy is with National General, you could have multiple first-party claims:
- PIP Claim: For medical care and a portion of lost wages under Florida’s no-fault laws.
- Collision Claim: For damage to your vehicle, subject to your deductible.
- UM/UIM Claim: If a negligent driver who hit you doesn’t have enough liability coverage.
In these first-party claims, you’re asking your own insurance company to honor the contract and provide the coverage you paid for.
Third-Party Claims (The Other Driver Has National General)
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and that driver’s policy is with National General, you may have a third-party liability claim against their policy. This can include:
- Medical bills that go beyond PIP
- Long-term care or future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress (subject to Florida’s injury threshold)
- Property damage
Third-party National General claims often require more investigation into fault, damages, and the full scope of injuries, and they may involve settlement negotiations with the adjuster or a lawsuit in a Florida court if the insurer won’t offer fair compensation. Our attorneys at Cohen and Cohen Law can guide you, addressing each of these core considerations of a third-party accident claim.
Key Evidence That Can Strengthen Your National General Claim
Whether you’re dealing directly with a National General adjuster or working through a South Florida injury law firm, strong evidence is what ties your story together.
Helpful Evidence to Gather
- Police report: Provides an official narrative of the accident, potential traffic citations, and a record of the date and scene.
- Photographs and videos: From the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, roadway conditions, and other drivers.
- Witnesses and testimony: Names, contact information, and any written statements from people who saw the crash.
- Medical records: ER records, doctor visits, diagnostic imaging, prescriptions, physical therapy, and specialist consultations.
- Employment and wage records: If you missed work, proof of your wages and time off supports your claim for lost wages.
- Repair estimates: Body shop estimates, invoices, and any information about diminished value for your car.
A Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer at Cohen and Cohen Law can use this evidence to investigate the accident, build a strong claim, and present your case before a judge or jury if settlement talks stall.
How Florida Law Affects Your National General Claim
Beyond the question of how to file the claim, you need to know how Florida law shapes what you may be able to recover.
Florida’s No-Fault and Permanent Injury Threshold
Under § 627.736 and § 627.737:
- PIP pays certain benefits regardless of fault, but
- To seek non-economic damages like pain and suffering from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you typically must show a qualifying permanent injury, significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
This threshold is one reason serious car crashes in Florida often lead to more complex personal injury cases. If National General is on the hook for non-economic damages, its adjusters may closely scrutinize whether your injuries meet this legal standard.
Statute of Limitations for Florida Car Crash Lawsuits
The deadline to file a lawsuit in Florida after a car accident can change with legislative updates, and there have been major changes in recent years for negligence claims in general. Speak with a personal injury attorney promptly about the specific limitation periods that apply to your situation, because missing the deadline can bar your claim regardless of how strong your evidence is.
At the time of writing:
- The statute of limitations for a bodily injury claim from a motor vehicle accident is two years.
- The deadline to file a claim for property damage (like a totaled car) from an accident is four years.
- For claims against government entities, there is a deadline of only 180 days to file a formal notice of claim.
A local South Florida injury law firm can track these updates and make sure any lawsuit is filed within the proper time frame for your type of claim.
Dealing With National General Adjusters After a Hollywood Car Accident
Once your national general claim is opened, an adjuster will likely contact you to get your side of the story.
What to Expect From the Adjuster
- Requests for a recorded statement about the crash
- Questions about your injuries and treatment
- Requests for access to medical records and possibly prior medical history
- Discussions about vehicle damage estimates and potential total loss values
While you must cooperate with your own insurer within reason, it’s wise to consult with an attorney before giving detailed or recorded statements, especially to another driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for inconsistencies, gaps in treatment, or other reasons to limit what they pay on claims.
A Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer can:
- Prepare you for discussions with the adjuster
- Help you avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries
- Handle communications and negotiations on your behalf
- Review any release or settlement documents before you sign anything
Common Obstacles and Challenges Accident Victims May Face in National General Claims
Many injury victims find that filing a National General claim is just the beginning.
Accident Victims Often Face Challenges When Pursuing a National General Claim in Florida
The following issues and conflicts that can reduce a victim’s potential compensation for injuries when they make a claim to the insurer:
- Low settlement offers that don’t cover the full scope of your injuries and losses
- Disputes over whether your injuries are related to the crash
- Delays or repeated requests for additional documentation
- Disagreements over vehicle value or total loss determinations
- Arguments over how much of the fault each driver should bear
Florida law recognizes modified comparative fault, meaning your potential compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the crash. Recent changes have also made these rules stricter in some negligence cases, making it even more important to have a lawyer looking out for you when fault is contested.
How a South Florida Injury Law Firm Can Support You
The team at our long-established South Florida injury law firm can:
- Carefully investigate the scene, vehicles, and crash dynamics
- Work with experts, where appropriate, to reconstruct the crash or evaluate your medical condition
- Compile and present evidence of fault and damages to the adjuster or to the court
- Fight for fair settlements, and if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf
- Prepare you for testimony if your case goes before a judge or jury
When you’re hurt, trying to deal with an insurance company alone while you’re also suffering physically and emotionally is a lot to ask. Having an attorney and team on your side allows you to focus on healing while someone else handles the legal details.
When a National General Claim Isn’t Enough: Lawsuits and Wrongful Death Claims
Some car crashes in Hollywood, Florida cause life-changing injuries or even claim the life of a loved one. In those cases, a simple insurance settlement may not reflect the full extent of the consequences.
Serious Injuries and Long-Term Impact
Severe injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures, and others can affect a person’s life permanently. These injuries may lead to:
- Long-term loss of earning capacity
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Changes in daily activities and independence
- Significant pain and emotional suffering
When a National General claim doesn’t yield a settlement that covers both economic and non-economic harms, a personal injury lawsuit may be needed to ask the court to decide what fair compensation should look like.
Wrongful Death After a Fatal Hollywood Crash
If a loved one is killed in a crash where a National General policy is involved, certain surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death claim under Florida’s wrongful death statutes (Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16–768.26). These cases can involve:
- Loss of income and support
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Other damages recognized under Florida law
These are among the hardest cases a family can face, both emotionally and financially, and it can help to speak with attorneys who have decades of combined experience representing clients in such painful circumstances.
Practical Tips for Protecting Yourself During a National General Claim
To improve your position when dealing with National General or any auto insurance company after a Hollywood crash, consider the following:
- Get legal advice early. Even if you aren’t sure you’ll need a lawyer, a free case evaluation can help you understand your rights at the outset.
- Stay off social media. Posts about your crash, your injuries, or your activities can be taken out of context and used against you.
- Follow medical advice. Attend all recommended appointments, follow through on therapy, and let your providers know when your symptoms change. Gaps in treatment can be used to weaken your claim.
- Keep a crash journal. Write down pain levels, limitations, and how your injuries affect your daily activities and work. This can help document the full scope of your suffering over time.
- Keep all paperwork. Save every letter, email, and bill related to the accident and your National General claim, including correspondence from any other insurers involved.
How Cohen and Cohen Law Approaches National General Claims in Hollywood
For more than five decades, Cohen and Cohen Law has been part of the Hollywood and South Florida community, representing clients in personal injury cases arising from car crashes and other incidents. When National General or another insurer is involved after a Hollywood accident, our firm’s approach is built around:
- Listening to your story. Understanding your circumstances, your injuries, and how the crash has affected your life.
- Explaining your options clearly. You should know whether your primary remedies will likely involve PIP, UM/UIM, liability claims, or a lawsuit.
- Handling the details. From filing the national general claim to negotiating settlements, the firm deals with the day-to-day communications that can otherwise consume your energy.
- Being available to answer questions. So you can focus on healing as you have a team you can rely on for legal support.
For many clients, that combination of legal experience and personal attention eases a very stressful period and helps them move forward.
Talk With a Hollywood, FL Car Accident Lawyer About Your National General Claim
If you’ve been involved in a Hollywood car accident and National General is one of the insurers, you don’t have to figure out the process alone, especially if you are hurt, out of work, and worried about how to pay for everything.
Schedule an initial consultation by calling (800)-33COHEN(800)-33COHEN or completing the online form to discuss your legal options at no cost to you. During this free legal consultation, we will listen to the details of your accident involving a truck and develop a strategic approach to pursuing compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and all damages pertaining to your unique case. With transparent communication, extensive knowledge, and genuine empathy, we have been helping personal injury victims in South Florida for over 55 years.
Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Cohen Law. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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Hollywood, FL 33021
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