If you have been injured in an accident in the Sunshine State, you know that compensation for damages and personal injury can be difficult to obtain. With 250,000 accidents a year, Florida insurance companies and Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers have seen every situation and have heard every argument for why accident victims deserve to be paid back for their medical bills. It is important to be prepared when you talk to your insurance company. Â Although insurance companies will do their best to hold on to the money they owe you, you must keep your cool and follow several crucial steps to getting the compensation you need for your injury.
Never Leave the Scene
Having a car accident can be extremely upsetting. It can be tempting to exchange phone numbers with the other driver and agree to settle things independently. Chances are the other driver is a complete stranger and may not be someone that you can trust. Remember, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal no matter who is at fault. It is important to call the police and wait for them to arrive. They can take pictures and get statements from both you and the other driver as well as any witnesses. You must have an accident report if you hope to obtain any compensation. Do not rely entirely on law enforcement, be sure to do a bit of leg work yourself. Obtain the names and phone numbers of witnesses and take pictures of the scene with your cell phone.
Contact your Insurance Company
It is critical to contact your insurance company right after you have an accident. They will need a copy of the accident report and they may have questions for law enforcement and witnesses. Be honest with them, but do not assume they will be honest with you. Do not accept a settlement before you talk to an attorney. Insurance companies are always fighting to limit what you will get in an accident.
What Questions to Expect
An insurance company will ask you the time date and location of an accident. They will also ask you if you had passengers. They will ask whose fault the accident was and if you were hurt. They may ask things that are hard to remember like the direction in which you were traveling and any road conditions that may have been present.
Go to Your Doctor
Always go to a doctor after an accident, even if you do not think your injury is bad enough to warrant medical attention. Problems related to your accident may not surface right away and it is important to have a physician examine you and conduct tests as soon as possible. This way, if you do experience pain later on you will have medical records if you need them for evidence.
When to Contact an Attorney
It is a good idea to contact an attorney after you have called your insurance company and your doctor. That way you can bring them all the paperwork they will need to start researching your case.
Choosing an Attorney
Be sure to choose an lawyer who has many years of experience in personal injury law and has a good reputation with the state bar. The legal team at Friedland & Associates is committed to getting accident victims the compensation they deserve. Getting the right representation is the most important step you can take to recovering from your accident and moving on with your life.
Authoritative Sources*
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Motor-Vehicle-Accident-Report
https://thebradentontimes.com/the-high-costs-of-dui-in-florida-p20629-158.htm
