The moments after a car accident can be confusing, scary, and overwhelming. You may be tempted to exchange information with the other driver and be on your way, but it’s essential to take additional steps to protect your personal injury claim.
Taking additional steps can be the difference between getting the total compensation you deserve and getting nothing.
Here are personal injury attorney Shawn DeVries’s top ten steps to take after a car accident:
1. Get medical attention.
If you’ve been in a car accident, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your personal injury claim is essential. The first step is to get medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Many personal injuries, such as whiplash, take days or weeks to develop symptoms. By getting medical attention right away, you’ll be able to document your injuries and start the road to recovery. You should take this step within two weeks of the incident to activate your personal injury insurance.
2. Get the police involved
In Florida, you are expected to notify the police of any car accident that results in personal injury, death, or property damage. The police will create a report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim. Also, be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
3. Gather evidence
This is one critical step to take after a car accident. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any injuries you sustained. It’s also essential to save any receipts for medical treatment, repairs, or other expenses related to the accident. These items will be essential when it comes time to file a personal injury claim.
4. Contact your insurance company.
After a car accident, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to report the accident and start the claims process. Be sure to cooperate with your insurance company, but remember that they are not on your side. Anything you say to your insurance company can be used to deny or reduce your personal injury claim. When you contact the insurance company, the insurance company’s accident investigation unit will likely be assigned to your case. The accident investigation unit is responsible for gathering evidence to help the insurance company defend against personal injury claims.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney.
One of the most important steps you can take after a car accident is to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to deal with the insurance companies and protect your personal injury claim. The personal injury attorneys at DeVries Law Firm have represented many clients injured in car accidents, and we can help you too. Schedule a free consultation today.
6. Don’t give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
The other driver’s insurance company may contact you after the accident and ask you to give a recorded statement. It’s important to remember that any statement you make to the other driver’s insurance company can be used against you. It could be through a recorded telephone call or details of the accident. The insurance company may use your statement to deny or reduce your personal injury claim, so it’s best not to give a statement. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, tell them you’re not giving a statement and refer them to your personal injury attorney.
7. Don’t sign anything without consulting an attorney.
The insurance company may try to get you to sign a release or waiver of liability. This legal document says you give up your right to sue the other driver for personal injuries. Don’t sign anything without consulting a personal injury attorney first. Once you sign a release or waiver of liability, you may not be able to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
8. Be careful what you post on social media.
Anything you post on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, can be used against you in your personal injury claim. The insurance company may use your social media posts to show that you’re not really injured or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. For this reason, it’s essential to be careful about what you post on social media after a car accident. This is one of the most underrated steps to take after a car accident
9. Stay patient and let your attorney do their job.
A personal injury claim can take time, so it’s essential to be patient and let your attorney do their job. Your attorney will know how to deal with the insurance companies and get you the maximum compensation for your injuries. If you have any questions about your personal injury claim or if you need help getting your medical bills paid, contact our office, and we’ll be happy to help.
10. Get personal injury advice from DeVries Law Firm.
The personal injury attorneys at DeVries Law Firm can help if you’ve been injured in a car accident. We have represented many clients injured in car accidents, and we know how to deal with insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and give you the personal injury advice you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently asked questions.
it depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have the minimum required $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, your car insurance will cover a portion of your lost wages. PIP coverage is required in some states, but not all. If you don’t have PIP coverage, your car insurance will not cover your lost wages.
The amount of your personal injury settlement will depend on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, the amount of insurance available, and whether you were partially at fault for the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can give you a better idea of how much your personal injury settlement is worth.
Bodily injury refers to any physical injuries you suffer in a car accident. This may include cuts, bruises, broken bones, or internal injuries. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away and get a copy of your medical records. Your lawyer will use those records to support your personal injury claim.
The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of your case. In some cases, personal injury claims can be settled relatively quickly. But in other cases, it may take months or even years to reach a personal injury settlement. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a personal injury claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of the accident. This means that if you were injured in a car accident on January first, 2020, you would have until January first, 2024, to file a personal injury claim. You will be barred from recovery if you don’t file a personal injury claim within the statute of limitations.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, finding someone with experience handling car accident claims is essential. It would help if you also looked for an attorney willing to take your case on a contingency basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront fees, and the attorney will only get paid if they recover compensation for you. Finally, choosing an attorney who makes you comfortable communicating would be best.