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AFTER AN ACCIDENT
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN INCIDENT
Whether you have been in a car accident, have suffered from a personal injury, or are a victim of a premises liability violation, you may be entitled to compensation. In the case of an accident or injury, there are several essential steps that you should take for the sake of your health and your potential case.
#1
The first thing you should do after an accident is contact the police and/or emergency medical personnel.
#2
If you feel even the slightest bit injured, accept medical care. You may not even realize you are injured until the next day or later. A doctor or medical staff may catch injuries, such as a concussion, early on. If you don’t want to ride to the hospital in an ambulance, have a friend drive you to the hospital for a complete examination.
#3
Firstly, collect the names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all people involved in the collision. You should also collect information from all potential witnesses who may testify on your behalf in your Florida injury claim.
Secondly, if you have a camera, take photographs of the accident scene from all angles. If you or your passengers sustained injuries, these should be photo documented as well. Your attorney, as part of your Florida injury claim, may use the accident photographs as evidence.
Thirdly, write down the details regarding your car accident, such as the events that lead up to it as well as the weather and road conditions. Memories can often fade over time, so these notes will play an important role in your injury claim.
Finally, If you are injured, document the extent of your injuries, any pain you experience, and the medical treatments you have received. If you have to miss work as a result of your injuries or doctor’s appointment, this should also be noted.
#4
If you have been seriously injured, hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your Florida injury claim. Your attorney can gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance company to help you recover a fair settlement. If a compromise cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare your injury case for trial.
#5
If you have been seriously injured, hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your Florida injury claim. Your attorney can gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance company to help you recover a fair settlement. If a compromise cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare your injury case for trial.
#6
Now that you know the steps to follow after an accident, here are a few things that you should not do in order to help your Florida injury claim:
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Do NOT apologize or say that the accident was your fault. Your words can come back to be used as evidence against you in a Florida personal injury lawsuit.
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Do NOT sign any paperwork from the insurance company without first having a lawyer look it over. The insurance company wants to get the case settled as soon as possible, and if you accept their compensation, you will likely be unable to later file a Florida injury claim. An attorney can help you to determine a fair settlement that will cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.