What To Do After Being In A Tampa Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is difficult. You could be left in shock, injured, and worried about the consequences you and/or your passengers will face. If you have been involved in a Tampa car accident, then follow these simple steps and contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Tampa at Pardy & Rodriguez, PA – A Firm Dedicated To You, to help you pursue maximum compensation.
Steps To Take After Being Involved In A Tampa Car Accident
Whenever you have been involved in a car accident, there are steps and actions you will want to take. Even if you have never been in an accident, the below steps can prepare you in the event you are ever in one.
What To Do At The Scene Of A Tampa Car Accident
At the scene of the accident, you will want to make sure you call the police. Before you do that, check to see if you are seriously injured. Calm yourself down and take deep breaths. After a car accident, you might feel anxious and extremely stressed, which can mask pain from any injury you might have suffered. If you have not suffered any serious injuries, then check your passengers to see if they have been injured.
Regardless of how minor an injury is, call the police. You will want to request that an officer respond because you will want to make a report. In some cases, calling the police may seem unnecessary, but it is important to have an accurate record of what happened.
After you do the above, you will want to move your car away from traffic. Other drivers involved in the accident should do the same. Once you have moved your car to a safe spot, you can inspect it for damage.
Document The Scene And Wait For Authorities To Arrive
When your vehicle is away from traffic and/or out of harm’s way, and the authorities are making their way to the scene, you will want to start documenting the scene of the accident. Snap pictures of damage and the surrounding area if there is no immediate threat or danger after being in an accident. Documentation will make the authorities’ jobs easier to do. It also makes the insurance companies’ jobs easier.
If you think something is relevant to the accident, then take a photo of it. This can be everything from the weather conditions to damage on vehicles to road conditions. Also, all drivers involved in the accident should exchange insurance information. Take a picture of the other drivers’ licenses, insurance information, and contact details. Get the contact information of any witnesses. This will come in handy when the time comes to file a personal injury claim.
Provide An Accurate Statement To Police
When the authorities arrive at the scene, they will ask you questions about the accident. Whatever you do, do not admit guilt, and do not apologize because this can be perceived as guilt. Furthermore, do not tell anyone that you are not hurt or that you are fine. Keep things factual and keep things short and simple. After the police are finished asking you questions, ask for a copy of the accident report. Sooner or later the insurance company/companies will ask for it for their investigations.
What To Do In The Days Following A Tampa Car Accident
Go and see a doctor within two days of being involved in the car accident. You might think you are fine or that you did not suffer any serious injuries, but you will still want to see a doctor in case you have invisible or internal injuries. Sometimes it takes weeks for symptoms associated with car accidents to show up. You might feel fine now, but in the near future, you might exhibit symptoms. The sooner you see a doctor, the better.
Still see the doctor even if you were examined by paramedics at the scene of the accident. Sure, you might have been released, but EMTs are trained to carry out fast field exams. The only way to know for sure how serious your injuries are, or if you are injured at all, is to go to a medical center or doctor’s office for a comprehensive examination.
Contact Your Insurer
In order to drive a vehicle in Florida, you need $10K in personal injury insurance. This is the minimum you need to have. Right after you have been involved in an accident in Tampa, you need to report it to your insurance company. If you cannot do it right after the accident, then do it as soon as you are able to.
Again, do not admit guilt or apologize for the accident. Do not over-explain. This is important, but it is even more important to keep in mind if you are contacted by the other drivers’ insurance companies. There is no law that states you have to answer their questions.
Decline to release your medical records and do not make a recorded statement. You want to be incredibly careful with anything you decide to disclose to insurers. Insurance companies have profits on their minds, so it is common for them to try to pay victims of car accidents as little as possible in settlements.
Contact An Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
Get a lawyer that can manage the process involved with filing a personal injury claim, as well as with dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys at Pardy & Rodriguez, PA are standing by to provide you with the legal guidance you need if you have been involved in a car accident in Tampa. Let us do the legwork,while you focus on your health.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With An Experienced Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a car accident is one of the worst things you can experience. Have you been involved in a car accident in Tampa or the surrounding area? If so, then contact our experienced team of car accident lawyers. Our lawyers have been representing injured accident victims like you for over 30 years and each client is a priority to us. We’ll help you through the process of getting the compensation you deserve. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at (813) 491-8898 to schedule your free consultation today. We understand this is a difficult time for you and we look forward to helping you.
