WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Jason B. Goldman • January 19, 2021
An accident can happen in the blink of an eye. As a result, it can be difficult to make sense of the sequence of events. In the wake of an accident, you need experienced guidance you can count on. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the post-accident process for seeking compensation for your losses.
What to Do
After an accident, there are a few things you’ll need to do right away:
- Get yourself and everyone else to safety.
- Check for injuries.
- Call 911.
- Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, use road flares to warn other drivers.
- Get to a hospital after the police officer authorizes you to leave the scene.
You’ll also need to collect certain information and document the scene—more on this below. In addition, during the coming days and weeks, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
- File an insurance claim.
- Keep track of all accident-related expenses and losses.
- Keep your lawyer updated regarding changes to your case, such as a worsening medical condition.
- Decide whether to file a lawsuit with the guidance of your lawyer.
What Not to Do
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do after an accident. For example, your personal injury lawyer would likely advise you to avoid speaking with the other driver beyond exchanging the necessary information. Do not discuss what happened during the crash and do not make any statements that might be interpreted as admissions of guilt. Even if you think the crash might have been partially your fault, it’s best not to apologize.
Which Information to Collect
In order for your personal injury lawyer to protect your best interests, he or she will need certain information and documentation. These include the following:
- Full names and contact details of all involved parties
- Names and contact info of eyewitnesses
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license and license plate numbers
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles
- Police report
- Your medical records and proof of your medical expenses
- Proof of other accident-related losses
- Photos of the crash site, injuries, and vehicle damage
If you’re ever unsure of what other information you might need, contact a personal injury lawyer for guidance.
The personal injury team at Goldman, Tiseo and Sturges, P.A. represents our clients with integrity and skill. We’ll explore all possible avenues for securing maximum compensation for your losses. Call (941) 625-6666 today to request a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer at our law office in Port Charlotte, FL.
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Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction. Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666
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