The State of Florida experiences roughly half a million car accidents every year. These accidents often result in significant insurance payouts or lawsuit settlements to those who are injured. Perhaps to no surprise, those who are at risk of being involved in a car accident often worry about protecting their financial assets in the event that the accident is their fault. Insurance is designed to provide some protection, but there are additional steps that you can take to limit liability if you are involved in a car accident. Here are a few tips on what you can do in order to best shield yourself from costly vehicle-related lawsuits and out-of-pocket expenses.
File a Police Report
Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring and traumatic experience. Many people who find themselves in accidents are not thinking clearly and can become forgetful concerning important details about what happened.
For this reason, it is important that you have a police report completed while you are at the scene of the accident. The responding officers typically will take contact information and statements from all parties and any witnesses.
In the event that someone involved does not have valid insurance, the report should note this and provide you with that person’s name and address. Also, officers may take measurements and determine if all traffic lights and signs were functional at the time of the accident. Before leaving the scene, you may want to review the report to ensure that your statement is accurate.
Take Photos of the Crash Scene
The conditions at the scene of the accident are important to document in real time. As a result, you should immediately take detailed photos of the entire area surrounding the accident. Additionally, taking photos of all vehicles involved in the accident is just as important.
This not only serves to document all damage to the vehicles but may also protect you from fraudulent claims surrounding vehicle damage. The police and insurance investigators might use these photos in their analysis of the cause of the accident and in their determination of fault. Always remember that it is better to have too many photos than not enough.
Invest in a Dash Cam
While some countries require all vehicles to be fitted with dash-mounted cameras, it is not required in the United States. Still, the logic behind the cameras is undeniable. Not only does the camera capture the moment of the accident, but it also sheds light on the situation immediately preceding and following it. Notably, in hit and run cases, dash cameras can prove to be invaluable as they may capture the license plate, make and model of the fleeing driver’s vehicle. Dash cams may also be helpful in documenting the conditions leading up to the accident such as the lighting and weather conditions.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Florida
The Watson Firm, PLLC has extensive experience protecting the rights of clients who have been injured in car accidents. Our personal injury attorneys can effectively advise you as to your options. We are prepared to aggressively pursue all remedies against those responsible for your injuries in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
Feel free to call our Pensacola car accident lawyer at (850) 607-2929 or contact us online to consult with experienced counsel regarding your case. The initial consultation is free!