The Seven Steps You Must Take After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be extremely traumatizing. But while being involved in a collision can be terrifying, you need to be able to think and act rationally in the moments, hours, and days following your accident. This is especially true if you have been injured and you want to seek a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages. After any car accident, always be sure to follow the steps listed below.
Check on All Other Parties Involved in the Collision
If you can safely exit your car, check on all other parties. If anybody is injured, call 911 immediately to have an ambulance come to the scene. All critical injuries must be attended to immediately – worry about damage to your car and exchanging insurance information after seeking emergency medical help.
Call the Police
Have law enforcement come to the scene to write an official police report. If you plan to seek compensation for an injury or for damage to your car, this report will be valuable in supporting your claim.
Exchange Insurance Information with the Other Parties
This includes your insurance provider and its contact information, your policy number, and your contact information.
Take this time to exchange any other relevant information regarding the collision. Take down the police officer’s name, badge number, and contact information as well as contact information for any individuals who witnessed the accident. You might need to contact them again when you file your insurance claim.
Document all Damage to Your Vehicle and Other Vehicles Involved
The more photographic evidence you have to support your insurance claim, the stronger your claim will be. This is especially true if you decide to file a claim for damage to your car.
Seek Medical Attention
After leaving the scene of the accident, seek medical attention for your injury. This is important not only for your health, but for your case. As a victim of any type of accident seeking compensation, you are required to mitigate your damages. This means that if you are injured, you must receive and document your treatment.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you are planning to file a claim, this is perhaps the most important step you take. After you have received adequate medical care, contact a personal injury attorney in a timely manner to discuss the personal injury claim process and receive legal guidance customized to your case. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the date of your accident. Although this sounds like a long time, it is not. Be proactive and begin working on your claim as soon as you can.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Winter Park
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident or other type of accident in Florida, contact the Hornsby Law Group to schedule your free legal consultation with a member of our firm. We can provide you with quality legal advice and representation if your choose to file a personal injury claim.
