Crashes happen every day, and a large number of those are caused by another driver who did something unsafe or irresponsible. If you have been injured in a Florida car accident that was not your fault, there are standard procedures to follow after the crash as well as steps you should take for your own safety.
The following tips will help ensure that you are protected in the aftermath of an auto accident, whether or not you were at fault.
Call the police and file a report
If a crash occurred, the police must investigate it to determine who is responsible. This isn’t just a requirement for insurance companies and law enforcement – it’s also important for you.
When an officer arrives at the scene of the accident, he or she will record key information such as the names of all drivers involved in the crash and any witnesses. If the officer believes that the accident was caused by a driver who fell asleep, was drunk, or was otherwise to blame, he or she may issue a citation.
If you do not have insurance, this could be critical information for your personal injury case.
You also have a responsibility as one of the drivers involved in the crash to file a police report. When you show up at the accident scene without a report, it can make it look like you are taking advantage of the situation in order to get something for free. In fact, making such claims about your injuries is one of the most common ways that insurance adjusters and other people try to discredit accident victims.
You may have noticed that reports on the news often include an estimate of how much money the person injured will receive. Insurance companies often give this information to reporters in order to take control of the situation and potentially discourage people from filing claims after a car accident.
Even if you have health insurance, it is important for you to file a police report immediately following an auto accident. If you do not have health insurance, your only chance for compensation may be to file a personal injury claim through the courts.
If the person responsible for an accident is not insured – or is underinsured – having a formal report in hand can help you get the money you need to put your life back together after a serious crash.
Exchange contact information with other drivers involved in the collision
It is important to be able to call the other people involved in a crash and talk about what happened. You may need their insurance information, or they may have questions that can help you better understand your own personal injury claim.
When you are dealing with auto accidents in Tampa, many times the at-fault driver will be insured. Therefore, it is important to exchange contact information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This may be difficult in situations where no one is seriously injured, but it will help you and the other driver should there be a question about who was at fault.
You do not have to call any of the people involved in your crash right away – especially if they are a part of the reason that you were injured. However, it is important to get their information before the day is over so you have time to put together a solid plan for seeking compensation.
Always collect as much information as possible when dealing with auto accidents in Tampa and other parts of Florida. You cannot predict what kind of roadblocks may be thrown in your path by a powerful insurance company. If you are already on shaky ground, it is important to be able to reference objective data that will help support your side of the story.
Get medical attention, even if you do not believe you are injured
When you are in a car accident, the last thing on your mind may be dealing with an insurance company. However, it is critical that you seek medical care after any Florida auto collision, even if you do not believe there are injuries. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of victims by denying claims for injuries that were sustained but not initially apparent. If you wait too long and then try to receive treatment for your injuries, the insurance company may refuse to pay for medical care.
By seeking medical attention immediately after a collision, you help ensure that all injuries are documented by a qualified health professional. In addition, you will be able to go back to the doctor later if an injury is not apparent at the time of treatment.
You may also want to consider hiring a personal injury attorney in Tampa to represent your interests.
Personal injury attorneys are knowledgeable about insurance regulations and can help you navigate the system if there is a dispute over an accident claim. If you have sustained injuries as a result of another party’s negligence, an attorney can also advocate on your behalf so that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.
Take pictures of all damages to your vehicle.
If you have any cell phone pictures, that’s even better. If you don’t have a camera handy at the accident scene, take one with you to your doctor or hospital so that wounds can be documented before they are treated.
Explain to an accident report writer, constable, or officer that you would like documentation of the crash and your injuries. One thing that we see all too often is a victim getting into their car and leaving the scene without even talking to law enforcement about what happened.
This could be best for the insurance company, but it is certainly in your best interest to get a report. If you are unsure about what to do after a Florida auto collision we recommend contacting our office. Our Tampa car accident attorneys can walk you through what to expect and answer any questions that you may have about the legal process or documentation procedure of your accident.
We know that being involved in a crash is an emotionally and physically trying situation. Having been on both ends of the spectrum, we can help you get through it with as little stress as possible.
If you are worried about dealing with insurance companies or if you have any questions, give us a call today at [27-835-8327]
Seek legal counsel from an experienced Tampa auto accident lawyer.
If you have been in a Florida auto collision, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help protect your rights and enable you to receive the compensation that you deserve. Speak to an attorney about your case and the process of filing for compensation.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, immediate medical attention is crucial. In the event that you are unable to see your own primary care physician immediately after a collision, seek emergency room care for any injuries or illnesses that require prompt treatment.
If another driver was at fault in causing your Florida auto collision, contact a Tampa car accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your options and how to proceed with a claim. In many cases, it may be required that you file a report with the proper authorities regarding a collision wherein another driver is at fault. Injuries and costs incurred (property damage, medical expenses) can rise rapidly in the aftermath of an auto collision, so it is crucial that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
If a third party, for example, another driver, caused your auto collision and has accepted liability in the matter, you will usually be given options for compensation of the expenses you have incurred – either by way of insurance or through representation by a Tampa car accident lawyer.
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