What to do after a Car Accident
Getting into a car accident is a confusing, stressful experience. The accident itself is surprising, often coming out of nowhere, and after that there are often medical and legal issues to to deal with. However, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that there are hundreds of thousands of traffic accidents every year in Florida alone, so people should be aware of what to do after one happens. There are proper ways to respond to a traffic accident both immediately following the accident and some time later. While taking these steps is not necessary to a successful lawsuit, they can make the process much easier and strengthen the case that the lawyer is presenting to a jury.
First Steps
The immediate aftermath of a traffic accident can be a hectic, muddled place. It is important for people who have been the victims of a car accident to keep their wits about them. The first thing to do after experiencing a car accident is to take steps to ensure that everyone involved in the accident is uninjured. People involved in a crash should make sure that everyone in their car is unharmed, and then do the same for people in the other car. If there is someone in need of medical attention, then quickly call 911, and get that person the medical help that they need.
If the accident is less serious and the cars are still working, the drivers should move the cars to a safe location, such as the side of the road. Moving the cars off to the side can help keep passengers safe, and it can help prevent other cars from being involved in the accident. Injured victims should also call the police to alert them to the accident, and stay on the scene until they arrive. People involved in an accident should also make sure to take pictures of the damage caused by the accident, photographing their car from all important angles. These photographs can document the damage and may become important later. Victims should also be sure to exchange information with the other person involved in the accident. That information can help with filing a lawsuit or making insurance claims.
Later Concerns
After the immediate issues surrounding the accident are resolved, there are still others to be dealt with. One of the most important of these issues is dealing with insurances companies. Victims should be sure to promptly inform their own insurance companies that they have been involved in an accident. Victims should also be aware of settlement offers being made by the other party’s insurance company. Insurance companies are often eager to settle bad cases that they know they are going to lose. This can lead to a quick settlement offer to an injured victim in an effort to pressure the victim into settlement before they are fully aware of their legal rights. People injured in traffic accidents should know that they have the power to settle the case at any time, but that such settlements can never be revoked if they later realize that they have been given a bad deal.
If you are being offered a settlement by an insurance company, or you just want more information about your legal options after being injured in an accident, contact a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer today. The attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP are prepared to assist you.
