What Should I Do if I Am in a Car Accident?

What Should I Do if I Am in a Car Accident?

Car accidents of any kind make life more difficult and complicated for the victim and her family. At John Bales Attorneys, our Florida auto accident lawyers will help you navigate through these challenges, especially the insurance claims process. Whether your accident involved a motorcycle, big rig, pedestrian, or drunk driver, our attorneys can help you get the money you are entitled to receive according to the law.
The pain and expense of car and truck accidents are compounded by the difficulties of negotiating an accident injury claim. Insurance companies often make the process of filing a claim complicated, tedious, and time consuming, in an effort to deter people from claiming what they deserve. Without a motor vehicle accident lawyer on their side, many people never see compensation for injuries and damages.

At John Bales Attorneys, our firm of Florida auto injury lawyers and client managers want to help, and we know how to manage the complex processes of claims and litigation associated with car and truck accidents. With over 150 years of combined experience as Florida accident lawyers, our staff has the skills and experience to protect your rights and successfully resolve your car accident case. Our Florida accident lawyers have collected millions of dollars for injury victims throughout the state, including the cities and surrounding areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Lakeland, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Pensacola, and others. Through our nationwide network of car and truck accident attorneys, we can work with you in any location. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees or costs paid to our firm unless we win your case.

What you need to know

The law requires that the person or company responsible for causing an accident pay for your car accident injuries and car repairs. In Florida, injured persons may be able to have a portion of their medical bills and lost wages paid with their insurance coverage referred to as personal injury protection, or PIP. Many victims of auto, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, and drunk driving accidents in Florida try to handle their own cases, without the help of a Florida accident lawyer. Many believe that the services of a car accident lawyer will be too costly, and that the insurance companies will settle the claim promptly and fairly.

Unfortunately, not all insurance claims are handled this way, which is why enlisting a Florida accident lawyer is an important step. Negotiating alone or waiting for the insurance company to settle the claim can be costly, time-consuming, and ultimately may even be fruitless. Avoid mistakes that could reduce the amount you are awarded or lead to the denial of your claim; if you are in a car accident, contact John Bales Attorneys, your Florida motor vehicle accident injury lawyer.

As experienced Florida auto injury lawyer, we can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses like car rentals and repairs. As Florida accident lawyers, the attorneys and staff at John Bales Attorneys is highly experienced in the field of insurance and injury law. Our dedicated lawyers, client managers, and investigators have the resources and knowledge to help you recover for your injuries and damages after car, motorcycle, truck, or drunk driver accidents.

What to do if you are in an accident?

A automobile accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or drunk driving accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event. Before you suffer an accident, learn the procedures that can help you negotiate through this difficult experience. The following are tips on what to consider if an accident occurs:

  • Stop immediately and be safe. Stay calm, and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Be careful not to place yourself, your family, or other victims in a position where they may be hit by a passing vehicle or further harmed. Especially at night, make sure that other vehicles can see the accident scene and avoid it.
  • Check to see if anyone is injured. Give as much comfort and aid as is appropriate, but try not to move any person who is injured, if possible.
  • Remember that most victims of an accident will be confused and/or in shock by this sudden event and may act irrationally. Those in the accident may not be thinking clearly.
  • Call 911 immediately for help and fully cooperate with police officers and emergency personnel. Provide the information necessary to explain what happened, but do not give your opinions, such as assuming you are guilty or at fault.
  • Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, if possible. Make a mental note of what witnesses say, like “That black car was flying.”
  • Immediately go to the hospital, if you think you are injured or in pain, or if emergency personnel or others at the scene think you should go. They are the professionals on the scene who may be better able to evaluate your condition.
  • Seek treatment from a doctor or other health care provider of your choice immediately, if you are hurt, in addition to going to the hospital. Do not allow the insurance company to choose your doctor. Report all injuries to your doctor, even those that seem minor. Sometimes an injury that does not initially seem to be severe is a serious injury that can cause lifelong pain and suffering. So it is important to advise the doctor of all medical concerns.
  • Take many pictures of all bodily injuries, particularly wounds, bruises, any medical devices, and hospital visits that are required. Remember, you need a record of all that you suffered to allow others to know the seriousness of your injuries.
  • Take pictures of wrecked cars, victims, witnesses, the entire accident scene, and anything else that is relevant, if possible.
  • Inform your insurance company of the car collision, as soon as it is practically possible. Again, before signing or giving any recorded statements, consult a Florida motor vehicle injury lawyer.
  • Do not sign anything from an insurance adjuster, if one shows up at the scene, at the hospital, or at your home. Also, do not give any statements to the adjuster without consulting a Florida accident lawyer.
  • Keep complete records of accident-related experiences and expenses. A written record of details such as how you were feeling, sleep that you are missing, time you cannot spend with your family, pain levels ranging from 1 to 10, receipts for prescriptions, household services like cleaning or lawn mowing, mileage for traveling for treatments, car rentals, etc. These documents are valuable tools in presenting a personal injury claim to an insurance adjuster, or to a judge and jury in court.
  • Call John Bales Attorneys. Our Florida injury attorneys and client managers have helped thousands of clients get the money they deserved for their injuries.