What to do after a car accident.
Accidents can be overwhelming and life altering. Most of us have either known a loved one or friend who has been in an accident, gotten into a car accident ourselves, or have seen the aftermath of an accident while driving.
In Seminole and Orange County this year alone, at the time of this posting, there have been 2,700+ injury crashes, and that number jumps to 26,688 injury crashes for all of Florida, with a total of 69,447 crashes in Florida so far this year. The statistics year after year are staggering. The amount of fatalities, car crashes, hit and runs, motorcycle and bicycle accidents consistently yield high and serious numbers. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles FLHSMV website shares additional annual Florida crash data, which can be found here.
As you can see, accidents happen and it’s important to know what to do following an accident to ensure that you protect yourself and your claims. Attorney Tricoli shares helpful tips on the best steps to take following and accident and further explains the personal injury case process.
Disorientation and confusion are common after an accident. So after an accident call 9-1-1. It’s important to do this to have an initial record of the accident that took place and to receive medical care. Doing these things as soon as possible can strengthen your subsequent records and claims when sent to insurance companies. Insurance companies will use any reason to not fully pay limits.
2. That is why it is crucial to at minimum call 9-1-1 immediately following your accident. Even if you do not initially think you sustained more serious injuries it is best to request medical attention as adrenaline and shock can take over before or more quickly than registering pain. Symptoms and pain often worsen in the days following the accident. That is why it is important to seek healthcare and professional medical attention, to illuminate and document what the accident has done to your body by having an MRI and other standard medical tests that are administered post-accident. Additionally and importantly, you must seek medical attention within 14 days and a medical professional must conclude there is an emergency medical condition in order to receive full PIP (personal injury protection) benefits, per Florida Law.
3. Only if it is safe to do so, take photos of your car and the other vehicle along with other evidence that exists such as damage to property, tire marks, etc. If the other party is apologetic and admits fault, ask if you can video record the other party admitting fault.
Accidents can yield exorbitant bills and impact your livelihood as you will likely miss days, weeks, or months of work, depending on the seriousness of your injuries.
4. Hire an Attorney. Having legal representation and a lawyer on your side can ensure the strength of your case that includes obtaining additional information such as requesting tapes and footage of CCTV videos, police records, having effective communication with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and more with more ease and less time than taking on the legal process by yourself. In short, having a lawyer safeguards that no angle of your case is missed and that the actions needed to build your case and receive your just compensation are taken care of by your attorney.
Having a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side will save you time, money, and increase your payout probability than by attempting the process yourself. Should your case go to trial and litigation, trust you are in good hands with Tricoli Law.
As a former Assistant State Attorney Prosecutor, Attorney Tricoli has gone to trial numerous times and understands the court system and process. He knows how to fight for you, your rights, and claims, in addition he has years of experience going directly against insurance companies that have denied claims. Remember, after an accident, call Tricoli Law. Attorney Tricoli and our team is here for you and here to help. Don’t go through the process alone, our team is standing by. At Tricoli Law, compassion and law meets results. Call 321-972-4219 to protect yourself and claims today.
