Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
There are a few steps to follow after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale that can help if you decide to pursue compensation from the party that caused the accident. Make sure everyone is in a safe location away from the flow of traffic and call for medical attention if anyone is injured or may be injured. Notify local law enforcement that an accident has happened, even if there are no major injuries or property damage.
If possible, exchange contact information with other people involved in the crash for insurance claim purposes. If you think you may have suffered injuries because of the crash, call for medical help as soon as possible. Receiving prompt medical help will ensure your injuries are taken care of and create a record of your injuries if you decide to seek compensation. For more help call our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Filing an accident report in Fort Lauderdale
Once the police arrive at the accident scene, tell them everything that you remember as best you can. Many accidents happen in the blink of an eye, so you may not be able to share the exact details. Do your best and be honest. It is best to avoid guessing or speculating about what happened.
If you are in doubt about something, you can wait to speak with our law firm before you make an official statement. If you were severely injured or feeling rattled after the accident, it can be hard to think clearly. Tell the officer if you are feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed due to the crash.
You have 10 days from the date the officer completes an investigation to submit a traffic crash report, per Florida Statute § 316.066.
Documenting the accident
If you can take pictures following the accident, capture images of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Do not interrupt any police efforts to investigate the accident while you are taking photographs, however.
If you need to go to the hospital to treat your injuries or are being treated by paramedics, have someone else at the scene take photographs. You can also take photos of the vehicles and your injuries after the accident.
Another good practice is writing down what you remember. As the days go by, you may not remember as many details about the accident, or you may get confused about certain things. A written record can memorialize your experience so that you do not have to worry about remembering every detail.
Making an insurance claim
You should also notify your auto insurance company about the accident as soon as you can. Most policies state that an insured motorist must report an accident as soon as they can to receive benefits. This will also give you a chance to confirm the benefits that may be available to you, including any coverage for medical expenses.
Your insurance company will probably ask you to make an official statement about what happened. Before you make a recorded statement, you may want to hire a lawyer from our team. This will help you feel confident and prepared before you make your statement.
How our lawyer can help you after your accident
There are many reasons why you may want to consult with a lawyer from our firm after you are involved in a car accident. The stress of the accident, painful injuries, and major disruptions in your life can make it impossible to find the time to research your legal rights.
Your lawyer will handle many aspects of your case, including:
- Gathering evidence to show the other party acted negligently
- Reviewing insurance policies and helping you make claims
- Determining who owes you compensation
- Filing your case with the appropriate court
- Conducting depositions and gathering additional information from the other parties
- Preparing you for any court appearances
- Negotiating a settlement if you want to pursue one
- Preparing for trial
- Keeping you informed about your case’s progress
- Explaining complex laws and how they apply to your situation
- Answering your questions as they come up
You have limited time to pursue your case for compensation after a car accident. In Florida, lawsuits arising from car accidents must be filed within four years from the date of the accident, according to Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a). Act sooner rather than later if you are interested in pursuing financial recovery.
Call now for a free consultation
If you want to learn more about what steps to follow after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale or pursuing compensation, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato now. We offer a free consultation so that you can ask questions about your potential case and how you can work with a lawyer from our team. The consultation is free, and there is no obligation to proceed. Dial (954) 633-8270 to get started today.
