What To Do After An Accident in Miami
- Car Accidents
Anyone who lives in Florida faces a significant chance of being in a car accident at some point in their lives. In 2011 alone, there was an average of 625 car crashes each day with a total of 227,998 throughout the year.
Some accidents are simple fender-benders, and others are serious collisions with life-altering injuries. Regardless of what sort of accident you’re in, you need to know what to do after an accident to ensure that you are later able to obtain compensation for your losses and injuries.
Our Miami car accident lawyers are here to help you take the right steps after an accident occurs. We will protect your rights and ensure that you get adequate compensation.
To begin with, take the following steps:
See if You or Others Are Injured
The first thing you need to do is to evaluate yourself for injuries. Note any pain that you feel, ask passengers about their injuries, ensure that the occupants of the other vehicle are uninjured. If you discover any injuries, you need to call 911 for emergency medical care.
Even if you feel okay, get a full medical evaluation from a doctor. Sometimes, you can have serious injuries that you aren’t aware of. If you have records of receiving medical treatment right away, you will have more ground to stand on when you seek compensation later on.
Document the Scene of the Accident
It’s important to document the scene of the accident. You’ll want photographs of damages to the vehicles, where the vehicles are in relation to one another, and any injuries that were sustained. You’ll want to gather the names and contact information of everyone involved and anyone who witnessed the accident. While your memory is still fresh, record the details of how the accident occurred.
Hold onto these documents and start a file for your documentation, medical records, bills, and other expenses that you may encounter because of the accident. These records will come in handy as you try to prove your case later.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
You will need to exchange information with the other driver. This means that you need to share your insurance information and the details of your vehicle, and you will want to gather this information from the other driver as well. This information will also be provided to the responding officers.
Contact the Police
When you contact the police, they will question you about the accident. You should be honest and polite, but avoid volunteering unnecessary information. It is unwise to admit fault or make accusations. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you want to obtain a settlement in your case, you need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will advise you on how to get repair estimates from multiple sources. You should avoid minimizing your injuries or saying anything that might be used against you later to avoid paying a higher settlement on your case. Do not agree to any settlement either at this point and if you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, tell them to speak with your insurance company.
Contact a Car Wreck Lawyer About Your Claim
Florida car accident lawyers are here to help you seek compensation for the injuries and losses that you experience from a collision. The lawyer can handle the communication with insurance companies and protect your rights every step of the way. The sooner you call, the better.
Miami Florida Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
We are committed to helping you receive the compensation that you deserve after a Florida car accident. Contact a qualified Miami personal injury lawyer today to find out how we can help you win your case and get back on your feet.