Being involved in a car wreck can lead to panic. It is common to be confused about what you should do, especially if you were injured. Knowing what to do after an auto accident in Kissimmee could make a big difference when you eventually make a claim for compensation.
Our attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have years of experience achieving excellent results for people who have been injured in car crashes. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Do You Always Have To Call the Police?
You should call the police after an accident unless there is little to no visible damage to the vehicles and everyone involved is unhurt. In that case, exchange insurance, registration, and contact information with the other driver, and report the accident to your insurance company. You also must file a Driver Report of Traffic Crash form at your local police station or sheriff’s office within 10 days.
Florida Statutes § 316.065 requires you to immediately report an accident to the police under certain circumstances, such as if someone is injured or killed. You also must report if either vehicle suffered $500 or more in property damage, regardless of whether they are drivable.
If you reported a crash but the police did not come, you still must file the written report within 10 days. Our Kissimmee attorneys could help you prepare the crash report and ensure it is submitted promptly after the car accident.
Get Medical Attention as Quickly as Possible
When you are involved in a crash, your adrenaline typically surges. This can mask your sensation of pain or other symptoms indicating an injury. In addition, some serious traumatic injuries do not produce immediate symptoms.
For the sake of your health and safety, get a medical screening right away, even if you feel fine. Take an ambulance if one is offered, and do not worry about the cost—if your health insurance does not cover it, our Kissimmee attorneys could make payment arrangements in the days following the auto collision. Sometimes the ambulance service is willing to accept a lien on an eventual settlement you receive for your injuries.
Going to a doctor is essential to protect your health, but it is also critical for your insurance claim and any eventual legal proceedings. A medical record generated soon after the crash conclusively ties your injuries to the accident. It also proves that you took your injuries seriously and did not aggravate the harm by ignoring symptoms.
Keep Communication to a Minimum
Many of us need to talk about shocking events to process them properly. Unfortunately, what you say about the crash and to whom could greatly affect your claim. If there is evidence that your conduct contributed to the accident, you will receive less compensation.
When talking to other involved parties and witnesses at the crash scene, do not apologize or admit wrongdoing. It is okay to tell the police that you are shaken up and that you do not know or do not remember how the crash occurred. Until you have spoken with one of our lawyers at The Florida Firm, avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company.
If you bring a legal claim after a car wreck in Kissimmee, it is a good idea to take a social media break until the case is resolved. At the very least, allow a legal professional to help you adjust your privacy settings and scrub your public posts to limit the potential for the defendant’s legal team to use your posts against you.
Contact Our Kissimmee Attorneys for Help After a Vehicle Crash
Understanding what to do after an auto accident in Kissimmee could strengthen your claim. It is understandable that you might make mistakes in the overwhelming aftermath of a crash, but whatever happens, our attorneys could help.
At The Florida Firm, we provide aggressive and comprehensive representation to victims of car accidents. We have been obtaining excellent results for injured people for decades, and our reputation leads other lawyers and their loved ones to seek our help when they need representation in an injury case. We charge no fees or expenses unless we resolve your case in your favor, so contact us today to schedule a meeting.