Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You may also be unsure of what to do next to protect your legal rights and interests. That’s why we have prepared this quick-reference guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident injury in Florida.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, the first and most important thing to do is check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical assistance. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured unless it is necessary to prevent further harm. Even if you think you are not hurt, you should still get checked by a doctor as soon as possible, as some injuries may not show up right away. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all records of your diagnosis, treatment, medication, and prognosis. These will serve as crucial evidence for your claim later.
Step 2: Report the Accident
The next thing to do is report the accident to the police. Florida law requires you to report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $500 within 10 days.
You should also notify your insurance company as soon as possible and file a claim for your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. PIP covers 80% of your qualified medical expenses and 60% of your lost income up to $10,000, regardless of who was at fault. When reporting the accident, stick to the facts. In some situations, it may be in your best interest to consult with an experienced injury attorney before talking to your own insurance company. And never give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company unless this is recommended by your experienced injury attorney.
Step 3: Document the Scene
Photograph the scene of the accident as much as possible. Take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle, the location of the accident, the weather and road conditions, any skid marks or debris, and any injuries you or others have sustained. Get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the other driver. Also, get the contact information and statements of any witnesses who saw the accident. The more documentation you have, the better for your case.
Step 4: Consult with an Attorney
Never accept any settlement offers from an insurance company untiring you have consulted with an experienced car accident lawyer who can advise you on your best course of action. The insurance company may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer that does not cover all your losses, or ask you to sign a release form that waives your rights. An experienced accident attorney can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for your rights. An experienced accident attorney can also help you determine if you meet the threshold to legally pursue the other driver for your injuries. If you meet the threshold, you may be able to recover compensation for your full damages from the other driver’s insurance company.
Step 5: Avoid Social Media Posts
One thing you should avoid doing after a car accident is posting anything related to the accident on social media. Anything you post online can be used against you by the insurance company or the other driver’s lawyer. They may try to use your posts to undermine your credibility, minimize your injuries, or shift blame onto you. Wait until your case is resolved before posting anything about the accident online.
Step 6: Focus on Getting Better
Getting better and recovering from your injuries is obviously very important. Follow your doctor’s orders closely and attend all your appointments and therapy sessions. Take your medications as prescribed and get plenty of rest. Your health and recovery are the most important things after a car accident. Compensation for injuries often takes time, but our lawyers will work hard to expedite the process and get you the best possible outcome.
Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
At Todd Miner Law, we understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to deal with a car accident injury in Orlando and Central Florida. That’s why we are here to help you with every step of the process. We are Orlando personal injury attorneys with years of experience and millions won for our clients. Our firm is made up of former insurance company lawyers who know how insurance companies operate and how to counter their tactics effectively. If you have been injured in a car accident and need reliable expert legal representation, contact us online today, or give us a call at 407-894-1480 for a free consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with expert advice on your case. And remember, we don’t get paid unless we win for you.
