What To Do When Injured in a Car Accident in Gainesville, Florida
If you were recently involved in a motor vehicle accident, you might be confused and scared about the next steps. Many car accident victims question what to do when injured in a car accident in Gainesville, Florida. For this reason, we have prepared this checklist to help if you are ever in this situation.
The Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We offer a free case review to discuss your rights and options. Call us today at (877) 255-3652 to get started.
How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Crash in Gainesville
A Gainesville personal injury lawyer from Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our deserving clients, are recognized as National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and are in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
When you hire us, we will handle the following:
- The investigation into the cause of your accident and who is at fault for it
- A review of all applicable insurance policies
- Coordination with your medical professionals to ensure you receive the quality treatment you deserve
- Discovery requests and the gathering of strong evidence to establish your claim
- Negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company
We provide a free case review so we can explain how we can help. Call us today to get started.
File a Car Accident Report
Florida requires anyone involved in a car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $500 to immediately report the accident to law enforcement. After law enforcement responds to the accident, they can prepare an accident report that can help with your accident claim. The report may also indicate if the other driver violated a traffic law or was at fault for the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you haven’t sustained an obvious injury. Many types of injuries, even some traumatic brain injuries, do not present symptoms at the scene of the accident. Your health and well-being are what’s most important. In addition, medical evidence will be a critical component of your claim for compensation.
Ask for Information
Ask the other driver for their information, including:
- Their name and contact information
- Their driver’s license number
- Their insurance information
- Information about their vehicle
If any witnesses stopped at the scene, ask for their names and contact information, too.
Document the Scene
Law enforcement may quickly clear the area so it is safe for other motorists, so you may have a limited opportunity to preserve the accident scene as it was at the time of the accident. If you are able, try to document the scene by doing the following:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles involved
- Noting the presence of any video cameras that may have captured the accident
- Keeping any damaged vehicle parts until you have consulted with a lawyer
- Writing down your memory of the event as soon as possible
Fast thinking may help you protect your right to recover compensation for the damages you suffered.
File a Car Accident Claim
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, so you will likely file a claim with your own insurer, regardless of fault. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage provides partial payment for your medical expenses and lost wages. However, if you suffered certain serious injuries, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party.
Keep Good Records
You may start receiving a variety of records related to your case. Keep these records as you may need them for your claim:
- Any communications from insurance companies
- Invoices or estimates for your property damage
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for tolls, rideshare services, car rentals, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pay stubs that show lost wages
- Photos or videos of the accident
Provide these records to your lawyer so they can use them with your demand package.
Don’t Talk About the Accident To Others (or Online)
You do not have to talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company or give them a recorded statement. You can delegate this responsibility to your car accident lawyer.
Also, keep your communications with your lawyer confidential. Avoiding talking to anyone else other than your lawyer about the accident online or in person, as anything you say may be brought up in court.
Don’t Delay – Reach Out for a Free Consultation
Knowing what to do when injured in a car accident in Gainesville, Florida, can be confusing, but it’s essential you don’t delay. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim to secure compensation. Contact Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at (877) 255-3652 for help.
