Your actions after a car wreck could have an impact on any claim you might need to file. Although the immediate aftermath of a crash can be disorienting, learning what to do after an auto accident in DeLand and then applying it if the time ever comes is wise.
If you were injured in a crash, contact our seasoned car crash attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright as soon as you can. We have a well-deserved reputation for providing excellent representation to people hurt in wrecks, with most of our cases coming from referrals from other law firms.
Medical Attention Must Be Your Priority
The first thing you should do after a car wreck in DeLand is check for injuries. If you or someone else involved seems hurt, contact the police immediately and ask for an ambulance as well as an officer. Florida Statutes § 316.065 requires you to promptly notify the police whenever a crash causes an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.
If you were hurt and the emergency responders suggest you ride in the ambulance to the hospital, accept their advice. When an ambulance is not available, ask someone else to drive you to the hospital. You should not drive yourself before you have been evaluated for serious injuries.
Many traumatic injuries do not produce obvious symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. If you cannot go to an emergency room or urgent care center immediately after the crash, get a medical evaluation within 24 hours whenever possible. Doing so protects your health and also provides evidence that our attorneys could use to connect your injuries to the accident.
Make the Required Reports
You must self-report the crash within 10 days if the police did not attend the scene. You can file the report at any police station or sheriff’s office.
You must also report the crash to your liability insurance company. Most policies require you to notify your insurer within 48-72 hours. Failing to make a report within the timeframe your policy directs could lead to the denial of your claim and the cancellation of your policy.
Your insurance company or the insurer for another involved party may ask you to make a recorded statement about the crash. Try to avoid doing so until you have discussed the accident with one of our lawyers at The Florida Firm.
Take a Social Media Break
Many of us conduct a lot of our social life online, and it is natural to want to post about the crash. Unfortunately, if you must bring a legal claim, the legal team of the defendant could scrutinize your social media activity to find evidence that they can use against you. After a DeLand car accident, it is smart to avoid posting on social media, especially about the accident, until your claim is resolved.
Should You Contact an Attorney?
When a crash is truly just a fender bender, there are no injuries or only minor injuries, and there is no dispute about what happened, you may be able to manage a car accident claim without getting legal advice. When there is an injury that requires medical treatment, however, seeking help from an attorney is the best strategy. You should always contact a legal professional if a commercial vehicle was involved in the crash.
Speak with an attorney if the accident involved multiple vehicles or if the cause is not straightforward. If the crash involved a government vehicle, such as a transit bus, school bus, garbage truck, or a car on government business, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. There are special procedural rules an attorney must follow to pursue car accident claims against government agencies.
Always work with a lawyer following a DeLand auto crash if your injury requires hospitalization. You should also seek legal guidance if the cost of medical treatment and your lost wages could exceed your personal injury protection coverage. These situations often lead to legal claims, and the sooner our lawyers can begin investigating and preserving evidence, the stronger your claim is likely to be.
Contact Our DeLand Attorneys for Help After a Car Wreck
Knowing what to do after an auto accident in DeLand is important, but it is only part of the process. If you want to maximize your chances of obtaining a positive case result, you also have to choose the right lawyer.
Our attorneys at The Florida Firm regularly obtain million-dollar verdicts and settlements in car accident claims, and we pride ourselves on our comprehensive service to our clients. There is no financial obligation unless we obtain a favorable result in your case, so contact us today to schedule a meeting with our team.