Even if you take every precaution, hit and run accidents and careless driving will happen. Stay cool in the event of a car accident! Anxiety may be prevented and alleviated by learning what to do.
It is projected that three to four accidents will occur in the typical driver’s lifetime; the best-case scenario includes little to no of the subsequent damage and no injuries. They gather their wits, take a deep breath, and drive away into their vehicle. Drivers, on the other hand, maybe in a more complex scenario.
Accidents may cause significant damage to a car and injuries and, in the worst-case scenario, death. Furthermore, they may create financial difficulty for their families, which is aggravated by their inability to work due to the accident. To safeguard your interests after an automobile accident in Florida, you must act as quickly as possible. What you do next is critical if you find yourself needing to file a lawsuit to recover damages as a result of your vehicle accident.
Regardless of how hard you try, bad luck – or terrible drivers – will always get you at the worst possible moment. Maintain your composure if you are involved in a car accident. Understanding situations like accidents near me and what to do, no matter how difficult it may seem, may help you avoid panic and take the necessary measures.
- Keep an eye on what’s happening!
You are not required to depart at this time. Accidents involving injury or death, property damage of $500 or more, an intoxicated driver, or a hit-and-run must be reported promptly under Florida law.
Perhaps you’d describe an event as ‘minor,’ in which case you’d be right. However, compared to other nations, the damage threshold of $500 is relatively low. Even if your automobile has a little scratch or dent, it might be concealing more severe damage under the surface (e.g., structural issues, parts shifted out of place, etc.). Injuries due to fender bender may go unnoticed while adrenaline runs through your system, making them more challenging to identify. Although it is not a legal phrase, the proverb ‘better safe than sorry’ also applies here.
Please call the Florida Highway Patrol or your local law enforcement agency for further information. You may always call 911 for help as a last resort.
- Seek Medical Attention
If you or your passengers seem to be in agony, take them to the hospital for an examination. Check whether the other motorist and their passengers were wounded in the collision as long as it is safe to do so.
- Avoid apologizing or bringing up anything other than the current topic on your mind. There’s no need to worry about whether or not you’ve been injured.
- Keep all eye contact, direct eye contact, to a minimum.
- Keep in mind that adrenaline may make you feel better than you are, so proceed with caution.
- To be eligible for reimbursement from your Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, you must disclose your injuries within two weeks after the event, according to Florida traffic accident legislation.
- Even if you believe your injuries aren’t life-threatening, don’t be afraid to seek treatment in an emergency department or from your primary care physician.
- The best-case scenario in this circumstance is to fix the matter as soon as possible.
- Report An Accident As Quickly As Possible.
Even if the accident seems small, it is critical to notify authorities as soon as possible. However, if the responding officer(s) does not furnish you with a report, you will be required to submit one independently. Fortunately, you can do all of this online.
When applying for insurance and taking legal action, you will need to have a copy of the police report on hand.
- Send Your Contact Information
Never be afraid to disclose your insurance information with the other motorist in an accident if anything occurs to your car. It is not necessary to enter your phone number or postal address since they will be contacting your insurance provider, not you.
Keep your discussion to a bare minimum while driving with someone else. If someone is hurt, make a point of getting their insurance card, as previously instructed. That’s the only thing there is to it.
It’s natural for someone to inquire, “Are you all right?” apologizing for the inconvenience. It makes no difference what sort of scenario you’re in. While you witness a car accident, any remark that may be interpreted as an admission of guilt could be used against you in a criminal case.
- Collect Contact Information
The endeavor to collect contact information from people who were there is continuing. Find out if anybody saw what happened and take down their names and phone numbers. They may give a more comprehensive view of the scenario, which will be helpful later on in the process. As a result, while approaching them for information, you should always be kind and gentle.
They will be allowed to speak with the responding police officers if they stay on the scene. Even if they don’t, the knowledge you learn might be priceless.
- It’s Time To Start Filming The Action!
Consider taking images or videos of the accident site if it is safe to do so. Identify your car, any other vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions and signage, debris and skid marks, and anything else that may be useful as evidence in your case.
- Consult With A Lawyer.
Seek legal advice before calling your insurance company, and do not be afraid to ask for help. You must first take steps to protect yourself from preserving your rights and seeking compensation. Insurance companies will nearly always do everything possible to avoid paying out for your accident losses in the first place.
Personal injury or car accident lawyers can help you interact with the insurance company on your behalf and provide essential advice on the following steps to take.
- Make Use Of Your Insurance Company’s Services.
You should call your insurance company after speaking with an attorney. We are, as you may recall, working against the clock. Most insurance companies require you to report an accident to them within 72 hours. However, others need you to call them immediately after the accident.
As a result, you must immediately speak with an attorney to negotiate with the insurance company. Also, don’t postpone it any longer.
Keep your interaction with an insurance representative focused on the facts. Exaggerate, speculate, or depict speculatively. They will be able to understand your message if you are honest. Again, don’t show sorrow or accept guilt. Do not make a formal statement until you have spoken with an attorney who can assist you with the necessary preparations.
- Allow Yourself A Break From Social Networking Platforms.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t immediately go online and brag about it! You should refrain from discussing this on any significant social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! ‘Anything you publish may and will be used against you,” a well-known adage warns.’
- Take Extraordinary Care of Yourself!
We have said various times that injuries are not always evident. People express their presence in several ways. Some take hours or even days, while others do the task instantly. That doesn’t mean they’re not concerned about the issue. Soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, concussions, and other injuries may worsen and lead to further difficulties.
Keep a record of all your symptoms and be on the lookout for any injuries or changes in your health.
We are just a CALL away!!
In the case of an automobile accident in Florida, lawyer as quickly as possible in Miami, Boca Raton, Fort Myers, or Orlando. It is critical to protect your legal rights and your capacity to pursue a personal injury claim if you decide to submit one.
The Ovadia Law Group in Boca Raton, FL stands up for its clients against large insurance companies and corporations while having a solution for the common queries like, “what happens when a car accident goes to trial?”. As an attorney, Abraham S. Ovadia has built a reputation in the South Florida legal community. He is a tireless advocate of his clients, resulting in over 1,000 lawsuits filed in his first year alone. He has an impressive track record of success, reflected in the many testimonials of satisfied clients.
Please contact Ovadia Law Group for a free first case evaluation. We’re here to provide a helping hand if you need it. Call the toll-free number 1-800-674-9396 immediately.
