Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and painful experience. It is not uncommon to have many thoughts running through your head in the immediate aftermath. Expecting that you will be clear-headed and calm may not be realistic given the jarring and abrupt nature of a crash. Nevertheless, there are some important steps that you must take if you have been involved in a collision to protect your rights. Let us look at some of those steps so that you know what to expect.
Assess the physical damages to your body
While your vehicle may have suffered damage due to the accident, your body may have as well. Any physical damages may not be discoverable until a few days or weeks after your accident. It is important then to thoroughly assess your physical condition after an accident.
Particularly, you should explore your complete bodily range of motion to determine if the accident has affected an area of your body that you do not use often. If you exercise regularly, going through your typical workout routine may allow you to uncover latent injuries that have been caused by the accident. Even if you have a prior medical condition (a preexisting condition), then the accident may have reaggravated it.
So, if you feel any irregularity at all, do not hesitate to be evaluated by your physician. The quicker you get evaluated, the more success you may have at identifying and treating your injuries. Seeking prompt medical attention will also create a record which you can rely on if the need arises to prove your damages in a lawsuit.
Preserve documentation and proof
Following a car crash, take photos and videos of the scene and any damage to yourself or your vehicle. This is imperative for evidence purposes. Make sure that you preserve that documentation to the best of your ability. Making copies or storing the documents online may prevent destruction or loss of crucial information that may later be necessary for purposes of proving the cause of your injuries.
Contact your insurance carrier
As Florida law requires all vehicles to carry insurance coverage, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after your accident. Any delay in reporting it could potentially be used against you by the insurance provider if you need to make a claim later. Any photos and documentation that you have acquired may need to be forwarded to your insurance provider.
All correspondence that you have with your insurance provider should be in writing whenever possible. It may also be a good idea to obtain your insurance policy and review it carefully before filing a claim. Many carriers provide policy documents online or will send them to you directly upon request.
Consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney from Our Firm
Unfortunately, not all car crashes are resolved fairly or amicably. Additionally, there are many laws surrounding insurance company regulations and compliance that may affect how your legal matter gets resolved. If you have suffered significant injuries that require treatment, then you may not be able to handle your affairs in a timely manner. For these reasons, it is wise to consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are compensated fairly.
If you are injured in a car accident and would like a professional to fight vigorously for your rights, feel free to call 850-607-2929 or contact us online to consult with an experienced lawyer regarding your case.