When you are involved in a crash, it can be stressful and overwhelming. However, knowing which decisions to make in the immediate aftermath is essential.
Doing so allows you to put your health and safety first, prepare for the insurance claim, and obtain a fair payout from your insurer and others if another party is at fault. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable car accident attorney for advice on the mistakes to avoid after a Boca Raton car accident.
Examples of errors drivers make in the aftermath of collisions involve reporting and steps to take while at the scene, communication and statements, medical care, and gathering evidence.
Failing to report the crash and remain at the scene can have serious consequences, including an arrest for hit-and-run. In the immediate aftermath, check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and move out of traffic if possible.
If anyone sustained severe injuries, call for first responders immediately. After ensuring everyone is safe, call the local authorities to have them investigate and provide you with an official accident report.
Avoid making statements that could be misconstrued as admitting fault or an admission of guilt by other drivers or insurance companies. Remain calm and polite but stick to the facts only, and exchange information with other motorists involved in the incident.
If there is no cause for emergency medical care, seeking care from a doctor afterward is essential. The sudden jolt and stress of a wreck trigger a rush and cause the body to produce adrenaline, which can mask pain, and it is not always obvious initially.
That is particularly true for injuries like concussions, internal injuries, and whiplash. Delaying or skipping treatment can negatively affect insurance claims. After the appointment, follow the doctor’s treatment plan and keep records up to date.
Document the scene with photos or videos on your cell phone, including property damage, skid marks, road conditions, and anything else involved, from different angles. Start gathering evidence by speaking to witnesses and obtaining their contact details. We can answer your questions about mistakes to avoid after a Boca Raton car wreck and help you through each step.
Notify your insurance provider about the crash promptly, but hold off on giving a recorded statement or discussing a settlement amount until you are prepared, or speak with a lawyer. We can handle communication and negotiations on your behalf to ensure there are no errors and to protect your rights and interests.
According to Florida Statutes § 627.730, state insurance laws follow a no-fault system for medical care with Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and a fault system for property damage and civil lawsuits if you do not settle through insurance negotiations. That means you will receive a payout from your insurer for medical bills for all care and services, and another from the liable party’s insurer to pay for your vehicle’s repairs and other losses. During your consultation, our injury lawyer can answer your specific questions about the process and the mistakes to avoid after a car crash in Boca Raton.
By knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision and steering clear of pitfalls, you protect your safety and health, strengthen your insurance claim, and improve your chances of obtaining the maximum potential settlement.
While minor fender-benders are relatively simple to navigate, when there are severe injuries and losses or disputes, contacting a skilled lawyer can often have a positive impact on the outcome of your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about mistakes to avoid after a Boca Raton car accident.
