How to Handle an Accident
Unfortunately, auto accidents are something most people find themselves involved in sooner or later. Car accident claims are based on the other driver’s fault. If they are found to be at fault, they will be liable for your damages. Damages can be personal injuries, property damage or both. If the accident was your fault, you don’t have a case. You can only file a claim with your own insurance company. Personal injury damages include your medical bills, out of pocket expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Property damages include damage to your car and any personal items within it. Let’s focus on negligence. To prove your negligence claim, you must show that the other driver was negligent and that it was in fact his negligence that caused your personal injury or property damage. If you don’t have damages, you don’t have a claim.
Call 911: The first thing you should do is call 911 and report the accident. If you are seriously hurt, someone else should call for you. Reports from emergency medical services EMS and police will be valuable to your personal injury case. These reports will provide a description of your injuries and the medical care you were given at the scene of the accident. Emergency first responders may also transfer you to the nearest hospital where doctors will continue to create more medical documentation. A police report contains detailed information regarding the at fault drivers’ errors including tickets issued, names and contact information of witnesses, weather conditions, accident diagrams, insurance information, and more.
Avoid Talking with Other Drivers and Passengers: Don’t let the other driver talk you out of calling the police, always call the police. If anyone is injured or if any property was damaged, don’t agree to any arrangements that don’t involve making an official accident report. if you plan on filing a personal injury or property damage claim against the other driver, a police report will be very helpful.
Gather Important Evidence & Information: EMS and the police can only document certain information in their reports, you need to try to gather additional information you think may help during claim negotiations. The more information you have, the better your chance of a higher settlement. Write down the following as soon as possible after the accident: the driver’s name, Address, telephone number, email address, driver’s insurance information including the driver’s policy number, the names and contact information for all witnesses, your immediate thoughts, and observations etc.
Take Lots of Pictures: Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to the cars. If you’re badly injured, ask someone at the scene to help you take photos.
Get Medical Treatment: In the days following your accident, you’ll need to see a doctor to get treatment for your injuries. To make a strong case, you must have credible independent medical documentation. Be sure to get referrals to any specialists you need to treat specific injuries. If you don’t have a family physician, ask for referrals from family and friends, seek out doctors who will objectively treat your injuries and render the medical documentation needed to support your case.
Call our Experienced Miami Accident Lawyer Today
At Suarez and Montero Car Accident Attorneys, our clients know they can trust our team of highly experienced and well-informed car accident attorneys to deliver the type of aggressive legal representation needed to take on insurance companies. If you’ve been in any type of vehicular accident, let our motor vehicle accident lawyers review your claim! Our skilled Miami car accident attorneys will work around the clock to hold the appropriate parties responsible for your injuries. We will fight to make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Let us review your case and discuss your legal options. Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation. We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
