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What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

Car accidents can be traumatizing experiences. From needed medical attention to dealing with insurers, there’s a lot that can leave victims confused and overwhelmed. But if you’ve suffered an injury in a crash that wasn’t your fault, there are also important legal implications you’ll need to keep in mind as you wade through the post-accident aftermath.

At Perry & Young, our award-winning attorneys have helped countless clients across Northwest Florida take sensible steps toward protecting their health, rights, and the strength personal injury claims after being hurt in preventable wrecks. Having worked with so many accident victims, we know that the steps you take after a Florida car accident can greatly shape any future personal injury claim you file, and significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Whatever stage you are at in the post-accident process, there are always some essential best-practice steps worth taking. Here are a few of the most important.

Immediately After an Accident

There are a few essential steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. These include:

  1. Assess the Situation: After the accident occurs, check yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Safety should always be the top priority.
  2. Call Law Enforcement: Contacting the police is essential, regardless of the severity of the accident. A police report will document the details of the incident, which is invaluable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
  3. Document the Scene: If it's safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any relevant road signs or signals. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved.

It’s difficult to predict how you’ll feel or respond in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, especially if you’ve been injured. Even if you couldn’t attend to some of these matters, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to file a claim and recover compensation. An attorney can help review your options and ways to help, such as by requesting copies of police reports, communicating with insurers and other involved parties, and preserving evidence.

Shortly After a Crash

The days and weeks following your accident can be a crucial juncture when it comes to both your health and the foundation of a successful injury claim. Some important things to address include:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't believe you're seriously injured, or feel that you can shake an injury off, it's crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash, brain injuries, or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent, and other injuries can worsen over time. Additionally, obtaining medical treatment creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for any potential legal claim. Because Florida insurers also require injured motorists to seek medical treatment within 14 days of a crash to file PIP claims, timely medical attention can also preserve your ability to obtain important benefits.
  2. Initiate the PIP Process: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage is mandatory for all registered vehicles in Florida. This coverage provides benefits for medical expenses and supplementary income for lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. By initiating the PIP process with your insurer as soon as possible, you can quickly gain access to these important benefits. Should you have injuries and damages that warrant a personal injury claim, any settlement or award in that case won’t come for some time.
  3. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: If you've suffered significant injuries or believe you're entitled to compensation beyond what PIP covers, it's advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. In Florida, you may be eligible to file a civil claim against the at-fault party for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Unlike PIP claims, however, civil injury lawsuits require plaintiffs to prove that another party is liable for their losses, which can be a challenge for folks going up against defendants and insurers that don’t want to pay. By consulting with an attorney, you’ll have the support, guidance, and resources of a professional advocate who can help you pursue the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Need Help After a Florida Auto Accident? Call Perry & Young.

There are many moving parts when it comes to protecting your rights and personal injury claim after a motor vehicle accident, and many ways that things can go wrong. If you have a potential case for pursuing compensation outside of the PIP system, the most effective way to protect your rights and interests is to enlist the support of professionals with proven experience handling these matters.

At Perry & Young, we’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation after being harmed by the negligence of others and are available to discuss how we can help you anywhere in Marianna, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Tallahassee, or the surrounding areas.

To speak with an attorney from our firm, call (850) 215-7777 or contact us online. We offer FREE consultations and work on contingency, which means you don’t pay if we don’t win.