What To Do When Injured in a Car Accident
Knowing what to do when injured in a car accident in Clearwater, FL, can preserve your legal right to compensation. Both your no-fault insurer and the at-fault driver’s liability insurer can use your words and actions after a crash to deny your insurance claims.
A Clearwater car accident attorney can guide you through the process that follows a car accident. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can provide legal advice about what you should and should not do while pursuing your claim.
Contact our Clearwater car accident attorneys at (727) 787-2500 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help If You Were Injured in a Car Accident in Clearwater, FL
Since 1996, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has fought for financial compensation on behalf of clients in Clearwater, Florida. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims and other injured people.
If you sustain an injury, our Clearwater car accident lawyers can provide:
- A free evaluation so you can make informed decisions about your case
- Skilled negotiators fighting for fair insurance settlements
- Experienced lawyers, including a board-certified civil trial lawyer, who take cases to court when necessary
Car accidents can produce painful and disabling injuries. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss the injuries you suffered and the compensation you can seek for them under Florida law.
How Many Car Accident Injuries Happen in Florida?
According to the Florida Crash Facts Report, the state had 401,540 traffic accidents in 2021. These traffic accidents included 3,454 fatal crashes and 163,956 non-fatal injury crashes.
Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists suffered a range of injuries in these collisions, including:
- 3,741 fatal injuries
- 16,826 incapacitating injuries for which police called an ambulance
- 236,145 non-incapacitating injuries
Under Florida’s insurance system, no-fault insurance claims covered many of these injuries. Florida law allows accident victims to exit the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver when they suffer significant, permanent injuries or their losses exceed their no-fault policy limits.
Steps To Take After Suffering a Car Accident Injury in Clearwater
Some of the steps you take after a car crash come from Florida’s traffic code. If you fail to follow those steps, you could face criminal prosecution. Other steps come from personal injury law. You will follow these steps to protect your right to pursue compensation and reduce the risk of being held liable for someone else’s losses.
There are some steps you should take after you suffer an injury in a car crash.
Stop At the Accident Scene
Drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death must stop at the accident scene and remain until they have completed all their legal duties. These duties include assisting anyone injured and exchanging information with the other drivers. If your injuries prevent you from carrying out these duties, a passenger can carry them out in your place.
If you fail to stop at the accident scene, you could face hit-and-run charges. This law applies whether you caused the accident or not. More importantly, if you do not stop at the accident scene, you might not have the information you need to support an insurance claim.
Contact the Police
Drivers must immediately report all crashes that involve injury, death, or at least $500 in damage. The responding police officers will investigate the crash by interviewing witnesses and examining the crash scene. You should cooperate with the investigation so the police officers understand your side of the story.
The officers will summarize their investigation in an accident report. The insurance company will use this report to adjust your claim. Your car accident lawyer will also use the crash report to identify potential witnesses and gather evidence for your case.
Seek Appropriate Medical Care
Only you can determine the level of medical care you need. But whether you request an ambulance, visit the emergency room, or make an appointment with your doctor, you should seek medical care as soon as practical after your injury.
Seeking medical care provides many benefits for your potential injury claim, including:
- Diagnosis of your injuries, including hidden injuries like a concussion
- Development of a treatment plan
- Identification of medical restrictions on your activities
You need to follow your doctor’s instructions. If you fail to follow them and worsen your injuries, your insurance claims may get denied.
Limit Who You Talk To
Insurers can use any inconsistencies in your story to deny your claims.
Some examples of communications that could harm you include:
- Apologies at the accident scene
- Lies to the investigating officers
- Ambiguous statements to claim adjusters
- Admissions or inconsistencies posted to social media sites
You should only communicate with your lawyer. The attorney-client privilege protects your discussions and written communications with your lawyer. As a result, the insurer cannot use them in court.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Car Accident Lawyers
Car crash injuries can prevent you from earning a living or even taking care of yourself. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation to discuss the injuries you suffered in your crash and your options for pursuing financial compensation for them.
Our law firm handles all types of car accident cases involving:
- Fatal Car Accidents
- Lane Change Crashes
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Single Vehicle Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
