The first steps after an auto accident
Do you know what to do if you were in a auto accident? The injuries from an auto accident could be serious, and high emotions follow immediately. It is best to always immediately contact a Sarasota / Bradenton Auto or Car Accident Attorney first. For a free “in your home” evaluation of your injury claim, click on the below “Contact Mr. Harris” link and complete the contact form to email our Sarasota accident attorney at Harris Injury Law Group.
Harris Law Group offers this list of very important things that you should do, if possible, at the scene and shortly after an auto accident.
Remain at the Scene
The golden rule for all auto accidents is that you should remain at the scene, and not leave until it is appropriate to do so. It is a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident, especially when someone is seriously injured or killed. The person leaving the scene is called a “hit-and-run” driver. Of course this is not true if you are in an accident in a remote place. Under those circumstances you probably should go to the nearest law enforcement location to report the accident rather than stay and risk being robbed or killed, which has been known to happen. Follow the old adage, better safe than sorry.
Check on Everyone
Before worrying about the damage to your auto, ensure that everyone else involved in the accident is not hurt. Call for an ambulance for anyone injured. Call 911 if injuries appear serious. Do not move anyone who complains of spine pain or who is unconscious, that is best left for EMS personnel. There may be exceptions to this like where someone is lying in gas that may ignite at any moment, you may have to move them. Of course, if you do find yourself in that instance, move them slowly and steadily while supporting their spine.
Phone law enforcement
You should always call the police. Even if the accident appears minor, but especially if there are injuries that could be serious. When officers arrive on scene, ask them to prepare a report, and make sure the officer writes down his name and badge number.
Exchange Information
Speak with the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the accident. But only to get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information. Also, take the names of passengers in any of the vehicles, along with their telephone numbers and addresses. Be cordial with other drivers and passengers to make sure everyone is alright and so you get basic information. But under no circumstances should you ever apologize for anything at the scene, even if you think you may have been at fault. Don’ admit it at the scene cause with further developments you may not have been at fault, and your statement will be hard to overcome and may haunt you.
Get Witness Information
Ask for witnesses and find out what they saw. Speak with them to get their contact information including names, telephone numbers or addresses, if possible. Write down what they say.
Take Photos
Photograph the scene and the location of the vehicles and their respective damage. This kind of evidence will help your insurance adjuster determine the amount of your damages and how much you should be compensated for the damages to your car, and can be used in court, in needed. Insurance companies, right or wrong, determine in part the value of your claim by the amount of damage to your vehicle. Photos of minimal or slight damage makes it much harder to get a fair settlement even if the doctors relate a significant injury to the collision.
Give Notice to Your Insurance Company
Right away, report the accident to your own insurance company that you in an auto accident. Seek advice from an attorney however before agreeing to give a detailed account to your own company. Do not go into detail, but let them know if the other driver was cited and any body parts that are hurting. Get a copy of any police report, and that way you can demonstrate fault to the insurance company and show themwho broke what traffic laws or who was at fault for the accident. This will all be in the report.
Record Your Medical Treatment
Make a list of all doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical providers that you receive treatment from, and each medical provider that referred you to other providers. Make and keep a written diary of each visit by recording the date, the provider, test and treatment. An itemization of your medical bills and treatment for your insurer, your attorney, and the court.
Obtain a Property Damage Valuation
Get an estimate to repair your car from the adjuster assigned by your insurance company. If you disagree with the estimate for repair, don’t quit. If you don’t agree with their repair estimate, go get two estimates for the repair of your car on your own. Or have two dealers provide a quote for the repairs. If you can’t agree on the value of your car, consider voluntary mediation, or consult an attorney.
Be Careful About Discussing the Accident
It is best to only talk with an attorney about the accident, as your insurance company is probably not really out to fully and completely compensation you for your losses. Do not speak with the insurance company without first talking with an attorney, and preferrably don’t ever speak to them without the knowlege and consent of your attorney.
If the other driver’s insurance company call, be polite, but ask them to speak with your attorney or insurance company to arrange for an interview. Also, get the adjuster’s name and number, and tell your insurance company or attorney that someone seeking information about your accident contacted you.
Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers
If you are offered a settlement from an insurance adjuster, be sure that any bodily injuries you may have suffered have been treated, and that you have and understand a doctor’s diagnosis and prognosis. It is not uncommon for injuries to not manifest until many days, weeks, or months after the accident when things start to manifest. Never settle a claim prior to a free consult and case evaluation with a Sarasota or Bradenton car accident lawyer.
Sarasota Car Accident Attorney can help
If you have been in an automobile accident we can help you understand your legal rights and the potential value of you injury claim. Call today for a free evaluation of your case in the comfort of your own home. We will come to you. Your injury matters to us. Call today 941-366-0860 or out of area 888-717-4878.
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