Your First Steps After A Car Accident
Even car crashes that are considered relatively minor can have serious repercussions. For instance, a driver who was rear-ended by another vehicle could suffer from debilitating neck problems, even if the vehicle only sustained minor damage to the bumper. For this reason, even less serious car accidents can be frightening and are doubly so when the collision involved was serious, the vehicle was totaled, or one or more of the passengers sustained an injury.
Regardless of the severity of an accident, it is critical for victims to remain calm and take a few important steps, one of which is to consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can ensure that their interests are protected. At Piccin & Glynn, we help clients in Ocala, Florida, across Marion County and across central Florida to get the compensation they deserve. You can call our office now at 352-581-6174 to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
What To Do Right After An Accident
It is not uncommon for a car accident victim to feel confused and overwhelmed immediately following a collision, so having a thorough understanding of what you should do in the event of an accident is important. Although each situation is unique, there are certain steps that accident victims can take to improve their chances of recovery, such as:
- Ensuring that all injured parties receive immediate medical care by contacting emergency responders.
- Giving a coherent and detailed statement about the accident to responding police officers. These reports can later prove crucial to demonstrating who was at fault for an accident.
- Obtaining the contact information of the other parties who were involved in the crash, including the other driver and any passengers, as well as any bystanders who witnessed the collision. Collecting insurance information is also a critical step, as the other driver’s insurer could be required to pay any accident-related expenses that are not covered by the injured party’s PIP coverage. Furthermore, eyewitness testimony can play a critical role in proving who was at fault for the accident if a case later goes to trial. Useful information includes names, as well as addresses, phone numbers and driver’s license numbers.
- Taking photographs of the scene of the accident, including any property damage and physical injuries sustained.
- Obtaining medical treatment, even for those who don’t seem to be suffering from any injuries. This is an important step because many serious injuries don’t manifest until days or even weeks after a collision. Going in for a checkup can give accident victims a better chance of early diagnosis and treatment and can also ensure that a paper trail linking the accident to the injury is created.
- Contacting the provider of their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to report the accident, as Florida accident victims are required to seek reimbursement from their own insurers after a collision, regardless of fault.
- Keeping copies of medical records related to their injuries, including not only bills and invoices, but also test results, photographs and doctor’s notes, all of which constitute evidence that can establish a link between an accident and a victim’s injuries.
Talk To An Attorney Now
Once these steps have been taken, injured parties should also strongly consider obtaining legal representation, especially before discussing any settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurer. You can speak with one of the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Piccin & Glynn to get immediate help. You can call our firm now at 352-581-6174 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation.