Summary:
- Learning the steps to take after a car accident can help ensure you obtain fair compensation.
- These steps include calling the police, getting medical help, documenting the accident scene, and more.
- Contacting an attorney immediately will be essential to gathering the evidence needed to prove your case.
More than 250,000 people suffered severe injuries in Florida car accidents in 2022. Tragically, more than 3,500 drivers and vehicle occupants lost their lives. Thousands of injury victims and family members filed lawsuits against at-fault drivers and others who contributed to these horrible incidents.
Unfortunately, many of these victims didn’t obtain the compensation they deserved because they didn’t know the steps to take after a car accident. The attorneys with Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia have some information to protect your rights, so you have the best chance of getting every dollar you have coming.
We have extensive experience representing car accident victims and a track record of success. Put our experience and skills to work for you by calling WHG at (800) 320-HELP or contacting us online for a free consultation.
Evaluate Your Injuries
The most critical of the steps to take after a car accident is to check on the well-being of you and everyone else involved. Take some time to see how badly you’re hurt. You might initially think you’re okay, but that could just be the adrenaline coursing through your body. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical help.
Contact the Police to File a Report
The next crucial step is to contact the police and file a detailed accident report. Florida law mandates that you call the police if an injury occurs or the property damage appears to be $500 or more.
A police report ensures an official record of the incident and an unbiased account of the events leading to the wreck. Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information to the responding officers, as their report will serve as a critical document for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
However, it would be best if you stuck to the facts. Never admit even the slightest amount of fault, even if you think you played a role in causing the wreck. If you do, the insurer will pounce on your admission as proof you don’t deserve compensation.
Exchange Insurance Information
Exchange details with the other parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company information, and policy numbers. This information is essential for filing insurance claims. If you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or you were hit by a rideshare driver, this step is essential. Review our guide on what to do after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver to learn why.
Gather Evidence
Second to getting medical help, gathering evidence is the most essential of steps to take after a car accident. You can’t get the money you deserve if you can’t show proof you weren’t to blame.
Use your smartphone or a camera to document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible damage. This visual evidence can play a significant role in establishing the sequence of events and determining liability.
Speak with Witnesses
If there are witnesses to the accident, speak with them and gather their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can support your case and determine whether you win. Don’t worry about interviewing the witnesses; that will be your attorney’s job.
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Seek Medical Attention
But what if you feel you don’t need to see a doctor? Please see one anyway. Many injuries don’t show symptoms until long after an accident. For example, it can take as long as six months for symptoms of whiplash to become apparent. If you don’t get medical attention, your injuries could worsen significantly.
As important as seeing a medical professional for your health is, it’s just as crucial for your case. If you fail to get help, the at-fault driver’s insurance company could use that against you. They could claim you’re not really injured or that the accident wasn’t the reason you’re hurt.
Contact Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia
The aftermath of a car accident can be frightening and confusing. Speaking with a WHG attorney will be essential to protecting your rights. Time will be critical, so contact us immediately so we can investigate the accident and collect critical evidence before it disappears. It will be one of the most important steps to take following a car accident.
Our lawyers can obtain evidence that non-attorneys typically can’t. We can, for instance, get footage from nearby surveillance cameras. This footage might have captured the accident. Also, if it appears the at-fault driver was talking or texting when the wreck occurred, we may be able to get their phone records.
We also have relationships with accident reconstruction and other expert witnesses, such as medical and financial experts. If your case goes to court, they can explain how the accident happened to a jury. They can also prove the validity of your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and others.
Please don’t hesitate to use our online form or call (800) 320-HELP for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t seek immediate medical attention?
Delaying medical attention after a car accident can have several negative consequences. Some injuries, especially those related to soft tissues, may not exhibit immediate symptoms but could worsen over time. Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention establishes a clear connection between the accident and any injuries sustained, bolstering your case for compensation.
How much compensation can I receive for my damages?
The money you receive will depend on many factors. These factors include the extent of injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and overall impact on the quality of your life. Consulting with a car accident attorney can provide a clearer understanding of the potential compensation to which you may be entitled.
Do I need to hire a car accident attorney?
It’s possible to represent yourself in a car accident lawsuit. There’s no law saying you must hire a lawyer. But if you don’t, you must realize you’ll have no chance of compensation. Insurance companies have highly skilled professionals on their side. If you don’t have one on yours, you’ll likely be responsible for paying all your accident-related expenses.
How is fault determined for a car accident?
A police officer will investigate and give their opinion of who was to blame. However, your attorney can also investigate to gather critical evidence. They can also call upon expert witnesses to recreate the accident and show you weren’t responsible.
