Auto Accidents and Personal Injuries – Steps To Take After A Car Accident In Florida…

If you or other parties are injured after a car accident, you should call 911 to ask for emergency medical services. Even if there are no injuries, you will still need to report the accident. Legally, you are required to report an accident to the police immediately if death or injury occurs. Of the tragic, avoidable deaths across the country, one cause stands out well beyond all others. Some advocates call it America’s great, unnoticed public health menace, and it can hit any household in any neighborhood, inner city or suburban, rich or poor, black or white. It is the leading cause of death among Americans ages 1 to 34 and is the leading cause of long-term disability for all. Many Americans fear becoming a victim of crime, but statistics show we are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a vehicle accident than to be harmed at the hands of criminal attackers. If you are in a car accident, there are things you need to know. The following are some simple facts that could make a difference between you getting the fair compensation you need to pay for lost income, medical bills, and property damage and not getting the financial recovery you need.

Never Get Into A Debate Or Discussion At The Scene Of An Accident

You should not admit fault at the scene or following the incident until speaking with a car accident attorney. If you admit fault, insurance companies have legal responsibilities to cover damages. Your own insurance will have to pay for the damages to your and the other party’s property. Never assume you know what caused your crash, who the liable parties are, or how much your claim is worth. Leave those facts to an experienced car accident injury claims attorney. You just can not see how poorly designed car components are or see how a driver’s physical condition was at the time of the accident. Investigation and accident reconstruction experts will find out the facts of the accident.

How Do You Document Evidence At The Scene Of An Accident?

It is recommended that you document evidence at the scene of a car accident. Evidence will strengthen your claim for compensation if you are eligible. A lawyer will use this information to build your case and assess your damages, which include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. There is no such thing as too much evidence.

Hopefully, you or someone with you are physically able to document (or receive documentation of) the following:

  • Pictures of injuries, the automobiles involved, and the location/area of the accident.
  • Exchange insurance information
  • If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
  • Record any details on your phone or jot them down immediately.
  • Keep the clothes you were wearing in a special place when you get home.
  • Keep records of your medical record and doctor information.
  • Keep a list of your doctor appointments and details of treatment.
  • Keep a list and receipts for any devices, medication, taxi services, hospital charges, or other costs you paid due to the accident.
  • Keep a copy of the days you missed work because of the accident.
  • Make copies of any police reports.

Dealing With Your Insurance Agent

We all know what their commercials say: they’re like a good neighbor, they’re there when you need them, and they’re on your side. But the truth is that insurance companies are businesspeople and are not always on your side. As a matter of fact, there’s a lot they won’t tell you — things you need to know. Insurers are expected to act in good faith, but they do not work for you and do not have a duty to act in your best interests. It is best to have your personal injury attorney with you when you speak with your insurer. Or at least have an experienced injury attorney review any offer an insurer makes. Your attorney does have a duty to act in your best interests.

Who Pays For Bills Following A Car Accident?

The answer is not so simple as there are a lot of factors including the type of accident, the state you live in, and the type of insurance coverage, which impact how your medical bills get paid. You will probably be surprised to see how much injuries from your auto accident will cost — this is another reason you will need an experienced personal injury attorney.

Consider what you will need to pay for:

  • Emergency services and ongoing care well into the future
  • Replacement cost or personal property such as phones, glasses, and anything damaged in the automobile because of the accident.
  • Doctor visits
  • Lost income- immediate and possibly in the future
  • The rental of a car or use of a taxi if you cannot drive because of the accident.
  • Equipment you may need because of the accident: grab bars, crutches, ramps, walkers, wheelchairs, or any medical device you may need.

After an accident, it is normal to focus on the big picture items like returning to work, or your big surgery bill but small details such as home equipment, car rental, and personal items can also make a big difference in your compensation.

An Attorney Can Keep Track Of The Details

Most importantly, your attorney can represent you as you seek compensation, drawing on a wealth of legal training experience to counter the tactics insurers use to try to pay you less.

While much depends on the specifics and the complexity of your car accident case, in general, a lawyer can:

  • Communicate with the other driver’s insurer.
  • Obtain the necessary evidence with respect to fault for the accident.
  • Organize your medical records and bills.
  • Communicate with your healthcare providers to obtain missing records.
  • Work with your doctors to make sure they provide the medical information you need so that you can prove damages in your claim.
  • Organize and present the evidence in order to prove liability and damages.
  • Negotiate with lien holders on your claim (such as health, disability, or workers’ compensation insurers) to potentially reduce the amount of those liens.
  • Negotiate a satisfactory settlement with the insurance adjuster or defense attorney.

Miller Trial Law Can Help with Auto Accidents and Personal Injuries

The car accident lawyers at Miller Trial Law may be able to assist you and your family if you were hurt in a car crash. Our car accident attorneys may be able to help you and your family seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs and more. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Florida because of the neglect or negligence of another driver, you may have the right to seek damages under the law. Common causes of car accidents include drunk driving, speeding, running red lights or stop signs, illegal turns, and other violations of the law. If you believe you have been the victim of another person’s failure to obey the law, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law.
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About Miller Trial Law

The personal injury lawyers at Miller Trial Law work closely with victims and families who have been hurt due to the negligence and neglect of another person or party. If you have been hurt in a car accident, truck accident, slip & fall accident, or due to medical malpractice, or nursing home neglect, you are not alone. We may be able to help you seek damages from negligent parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and more. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. Contact Miller Trial Law today and learn how our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you.
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