What To Do After a Car Crash
1. Call 911
Without a police report, it’s like the accident didn’t happen. Having a police report will help you prove damage visible at the scene of the accident so you can collect compensation from your lawsuit.
2. Exchange Policy Information
Once you have called the police, exchange information with the other driver. You will need their insurance provider and policy number so your insurance companies can talk to each other.
3. Collect Evidence
Take pictures of all damage (both to property and people), road conditions, weather, vehicle license plates, and anything else that seems pertinent to your case. Keep a log on your phone where you can record information, witness names, a timeline, and any information that you deem relevant to your case. You can never have too much evidence.
4. Seek Medical Attention
You should always seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, even if you don’t feel any injuries. A car accident can send you into a state of shock where you won’t feel serious injuries until it’s too late.
Get examined by a medical professional and follow all of their advice. Get any necessary treatments and prescriptions. Never agree to release your medical records to the at-fault party’s insurance without first speaking to your car accident lawyer.
4. Call Your Insurance Provider
Provide your insurance company with the policy information of the other driver(s). Fill out a claim form, if required.
5. Request a Copy of the Police Report
Police reports are pivotal pieces of evidence in car accident cases. Require a few copies of the report to give you your insurance company, lawyer, and any other professional that may require one.
5. Meet with a Port St Lucie Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have completed steps 1-6, contact a Port St Lucie car accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation. They will help you prepare for the next steps in your claim, if you have one. Ensure you hire a lawyer who will protect your rights and that has time for your caseload, so you don’t get pawned off on younger associates.
When should I get a lawyer for my car accident?
Once you have ensured your physical wellbeing by seeking medical attention, call a car accident lawyer near you.
By hiring a lawyer early, you improve your chances of winning your claim. Your lawyer will be able to collect fresh evidence, speak with witnesses, and use best practices to defend your rights. You won’t have to worry about the stress of interacting with the other party’s insurance company because your lawyer can handle that for you.
Don’t wait to hire a car accident lawyer after your accident.
How much can I expect to recover from my car accident?
No two car accidents are the same, so there is no average amount of damages awarded for car accidents. However, you can calculate how much your claim will be worth by adding up your economic and non-economic damages.
Compile all of the bills and receipts for things that you had to spend your money on as a result of the accident, such as hospital bills or lost wages. Once you total this amount, you will have an estimate for your economic damages.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to determine. Contact an expert car accident lawyer to discuss what non-economic damages apply in your case and how much you can recover.
What is the comparative fault in Florida?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, you have a legal right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. This applies even if you are partially responsible for the car accident. However, the percentage of the damages awarded may be diminished by the amount of fault that is attributed to you.
Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, where fault may be attributed to both drivers involved in a car accident. They can only collect damages proportionate to their percentage of fault. For example, if you were 40% responsible for an accident, you can only sue to recover 60% of your damages.
However, in Florida, the person can sue if they are 0-99% responsible for the accident. This means that the party who is more at fault can sue the victim for damages as well, although they will only collect a small percentage of the compensation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in serious, even fatal injuries. Our expert lawyers have represented victims who have experienced many common car accident injuries, such as:
- Whiplash
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Concussions
- Seat Belt Injuries
- Internal Damage
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Neck & Back Injuries
Common Types of Car Accidents
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions occur when one car hits another from behind. The car that hit from behind is typically at fault, but not in every case. These most frequently occur at intersections where the front driver is stopped.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents or “side-impact collisions” can occur in several traffic situations. The most common location for a T-bone accident is at an intersection when one driver illegally enters the intersection while the other is driving through legally. They impact the side of the car, where there is the least amount of safety mechanisms, potentially causing significant damage.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are the most deadly type of car accident. They occur with double the force when two vehicles collide while going in opposite directions. That increases the chances of injury for both drivers. Head-on collisions typically occur when one driver swerves into another lane due to driving under the influence or while tired.
Vehicle Rollover
Cars roll over for a number of reasons: driver error, slick roads, turns that are too tight, or a side impact from another vehicle. Whatever the reason, vehicle rollovers are extremely dangerous. If you have been injured in a vehicle rollover, contact our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers today to discuss your options.
Sideswipe Collision
Sideswipe collisions occur when one car bumps into the side of another. This commonly occurs when a car is changing lanes without looking or is swerving between lanes. The vehicles are both traveling in the same direction. The damage can be as simple as some scraped paint or as serious as driving a car off the road.
Multiple Vehicle Collisions
Multiple vehicle collisions involve more than two cars. They are common on crowded streets and on highways, where many cars are driving at high speeds. There are many causes of these collisions, such as weather conditions, distracted drivers, and tailgating.
These can be the most confusing types of car accident claims to file. Work with a lawyer to ensure you have great representation on your side.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If a car hits yours and drives away from the scene, you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident. It can be difficult to locate the guilty party in this case. However, you can still seek damages with the help of a car accident lawyer.
Single-Car Accidents
If you run into a tree, hit an animal, or swerve off the road when no other car is involved, you have been involved in a single-car accident.