What Should I do After A Car Wreck?
It can seem impossible to think clearly after a serious accident, especially if you or someone else was injured. But your statements and actions at the crash scene can have a profound impact on the outcome of your car insurance claim. You will need to gather evidence at the scene to prove negligence and damages, and failing to do so could cause the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim.
Unfortunately, even with strong evidence, the insurance company will still look for any possible reason to pay you as little as possible. The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Englander Peebles understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we will use our knowledge, resources, and experience to help you navigate the claims process from start to finish. Call 954-500-4878 to set up a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.
Read on to learn seven steps to take after a collision in Fort Lauderdale.
Look For Injuries
Seeking medical attention is the most important step after an accident. Evaluate yourself, your passengers, and other people involved in the crash for injuries. Call the police and request emergency medical assistance if necessary.
Contact The Police
Even if nobody seems injured, you should still call the police so an officer can create an accident report. This report will contain essential information about your crash including the time, date, cause, whether there was property damage and the names of the people involved. Your Fort Lauderdale accident attorney may use the police report to prove negligence.
Take Pictures
Pictures can serve as valuable evidence to support your car accident claim. Be sure to take photos that show the positions of vehicles, the intersection (if applicable), traffic signs, skid marks, injuries and property damage.
Get Insurance Details From All Drivers Involved
Write down the contact and insurance details of all drivers involved. Take photos of their insurance card, registration and license plate for your records.
Record The Contact Details Of Eyewitnesses
Eyewitness testimonies can be valuable evidence to prove negligence and liability. This is especially true if your account of what happened differs from the other driver’s account or the police report. Write down the full names, phone numbers and email addresses of all witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you received medical attention at the scene, you should still visit your doctor immediately for an evaluation if you were injured.
Medical records will be essential evidence for proving damages.
Consult A Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced injury lawyer from Englander Peebles can help you avoid costly mistakes like accepting a settlement too early or making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster without proper preparation.
Contact A Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Injury Attorney Today.
If you or someone you love was injured in a serious collision, contact our law firm to discuss your case during a free consultation. We will evaluate your insurance policy, investigate your accident, gather evidence and help you avoid mistakes that can harm your claim. Call Englander Peebles today to speak with an experienced South Florida car accident attorney.