Automobile insurance companies keep track of how often car accidents happen. According to their expert analysis, the average citizen gets into a crash about every 18 years. That comes out to about four car accidents within your lifetime.
These statistics prove why it’s important to know what to do after a car accident. You may be vigilant behind the wheel, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is always so safe. What should you do if you get into a crash that wasn’t your fault? How is fault determined in a car accident? Get all the answers below.
How Fault is Determined After a Car Accident
After a crash, the authorities will get called to respond to the accident. The police will write a report to verify the incident, and they’ll also start an investigation. Police will look for evidence that suggests fault such as video footage and witness statements. The results of this investigation are often what will dictate whether you can seek out a lawsuit or not.
What Should You Do Following a Crash?
While it’s important to figure out what happened and who caused the crash, your physical well-being is the most important. Directly following an accident, you need to see the doctor. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be transported by ambulance to the hospital. If not, then it’s important to visit the hospital on your own when you have the opportunity.
If you fail to seek out prompt care, then you’re putting your compensation at risk. On top of that, you could be risking further injury if you have late-appearing symptoms that you don’t seek treatment for.
After you get the care you need, it’s likely you’ll start getting calls from your insurance company. Always be sure not to admit fault or make any statements like “my injury isn’t that bad.” Otherwise, the insurance representative will use that information against you. It’s also important not to accept any sort of settlement amount unless you’re sure it will cover your losses.
Next, you should seek out legal representation. A car accident attorney will help preserve any evidence of fault, document your losses and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of car accidents in Palm Beach, Broward, St Lucie, Sarasota Counties, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.