3 Steps to Take After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Accidents catch every driver by surprise, and no matter how prepared you are, you may feel confused in the aftermath. The steps you take after the crash can help or harm your car accident case.
While Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you may be able to seek additional compensation from the driver who caused the crash and your injuries. Following these three steps will help steer you in the right direction.
Step #1: Stay on the Scene and Get Medical Attention
A car accident can put a crimp in your day. However, you need to stay on the scene to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Call the police to report the accident and if you have any injuries, let the dispatcher know so they send emergency medical responders.
One of the most crucial parts of this step is to get the medical attention you need for your injuries. However, not all injuries are immediately visible. It is always a smart idea to get a full medical evaluation after an accident. Doctors will look for traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries that may not have any symptoms in the moments following the wreck.
Once you receive treatment, make sure you follow all the medical advice. If you are told to see a neurologist or another specialist, promptly arrange an appointment. Failing to follow up on the required treatments may result in the insurance company claiming that your injuries aren’t that serious.
Step #2: Gather Evidence
If anyone else such as pedestrians or other drivers saw what happened at the accident scene, get their contact information. Witnesses can be instrumental in helping fill in the blanks, plus they may have noticed crucial details that can strengthen your case.
In addition to witnesses, taking photos and videos can further show what the scene looked like in the moments after the crash. Try to do this before the vehicles are moved and if you can, get photos of both vehicles from a variety of angles.
Step #3: Enlist the Legal Assistance of a Car Accident Attorney
Perhaps the most important step to take after a crash is to contact an accident law firm in Fort Lauderdale. When your injuries are severe, having an attorney to advocate for you allows you to get the rest you need to heal from your injuries.
Additionally, your lawyer can get to work contacting your insurer on your behalf. They will represent you during your case and work to get you fair compensation by pursuing the other driver’s insurance company if your damages are greater than what your insurance covers.
Your attorney will help you gather the evidence, get statements from witnesses, and provide valuable advice. For example, most car accident lawyers will tell you not to say anything on social media as it can be used to dispute your injury claim. Even if you are sharing something unrelated to the accident, it can cast doubt on your side of the story.
In short, working with a personal injury attorney is ideal in situations where you have serious injuries. You will need help ensuring you get full compensation for your hospital stay, emergency surgery, physical therapy, and other medical expenses, not to mention all the other financial losses you’ve incurred due to another person’s negligent actions.