Car accident in Florida? Our car accident attorney tells you what to do!

Most of us can’t imagine our daily lives without a car. Owning a car gives us mobility and independence; we can go wherever we want, whenever we please, in virtually any weather conditions. But as liberating as owning and using a car may be, there is always risk involved when driving it.

Car accidents are extremely stressful; figuring out what to do next can be even more so. If you are a victim of a car accident in Florida make sure that you immediately take the right steps to protect your rights. Ask attorney in Broward County for a free consultation and evaluation of your case!

Below you will find useful information provided by our car accident attorney: Ralph Gonzalez from AskMyAttorneys.com.

What is a car accident attorney?

An accident attorney is a type of attorney who specializes in the area of law surrounding accidents (in this case – car accidents/auto accidents). As with any legal dispute, there are usually two sides. One side represents the victim of the car accident, and the other (usually an insurance company) represents the person liable or responsible for the accident.

Our car accident attorney specializes in representing the affected person who has been injured or suffered damages of some kind. Always choose a car accident attorney who is familiar with the local law regarding car accidents!

How to ensure your safety after a car accident?

In 2020, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recorded a total of 339,905 cases of motor-vehicular accidents. The risk is there, as long as you are behind the wheel and on the road. Therefore, you should know what to do in such unfortunate situations.

If you are unfortunate enough to become a car accident victim, the last thing you need is for the situation to get worse. Here are some safety tips to follow immediately after the accident:

• Pullover. 

You should stop the car immediately, but as safely as you possibly can, even if the accident isn’t your fault. Find a safe place to pull over. The side of the road should be safe enough.

• Turn off the car. 

Turn off the engine to prevent fire.

• Remain calm. 

It’s natural to experience a rush of adrenaline in these situations. Taking deep breaths can help you calm down and think clearly.

• Check for injuries. 

Take note of any injuries sustained by everyone involved in the accident, even the minor ones.

• If you’re injured, don’t move. 

Refrain from moving if you think you hurt your head or your spine unless you are in immediate danger. Moving someone with a possible spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis or life-threatening complications. Wait for the ambulance to arrive and let the paramedics attend to anyone who is injured.

• Be visible. 

Switch on the hazard lights and put hazard road signs on the road, if you have any, to help prevent another accident.

• Check for leaks. 

Fuel leaks can cause a fire. Avoid touching any possible other hazardous materials, such as spilled liquid, present in the scene, especially when a commercial vehicle is involved in the accident. If you suspect a leak, move yourself and everyone else to a safer distance.

• Smoking is a no-no. 

Smoking can cause fires, especially if there are fuel leaks.

5 simple rules to follow when you are involved in a car accident:

Important: When you’re in shock, your immediate instinct may be to simply drive away from the scene of the accident. This is a serious offense. Never do this, not even when the accident is minor! Stay at the scene and, if possible, protect it, so the accident site is clearly visible to other drivers.

Rule 1. Call 911

Even if there are no serious injuries, report the accident to law enforcement. Police officers will properly document your case, which provides essential information in any motor vehicle accident.

Do not let yourself be persuaded not to call the police; they may be the only independent witness willing to testify on your behalf.

Rule 2. Call your car accident attorney in Plantation – protect your rights!

Consulting your attorney is probably the most important action to take after an accident. Your  attorney will make sure your rights are protected and he or she will also provide advice on how to make sure you are fully compensated for your vehicle and that you are getting the best medical treatment available.

Keep in mind that insurance companies often want to take statements immediately after an accident; it is, therefore, crucial that you have received legal advice before providing a statement.

If you are a victim of a car accident in Florida, call 954-961-5100 in Broward County or 1-877-961-5100 elsewhere throughout Florida to speak with a car attorney – a member of the Legal Accident Defense Team.

Rule 3. Take Photographs

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Keep that sentence in mind and use your smartphone camera  (or any other available camera) to take pictures of the scene and vehicles if there is visible damage. Also, if you happen to have visible injuries,  photograph them, as well. 

Remember, however, not to interfere with the ongoing police investigation. If you’re unable to take pictures at the scene of the accident, take them as soon as possible after the accident.

Rule 4. Write it Down

What may appear to be a clear and straightforward accident almost never is as one imagines. There are various issues surrounding your typical accident, including the most important of them all: insurance coverage.

Is there insurance coverage? Again, the answer to that question is not as simple as some may think. Our car accident attorney says: As per standard procedure, the investigating police officer should obtain all necessary information. If, for some reason, the police do not respond to the accident, try to: 

• obtain the name, address, and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident (drivers and passengers)

• if there are witnesses, ask them for their contact information, too, so that your car accident attorney can contact them in the future.

• obtain information about insurance (ask to see the insurance card for all vehicles involved in the accident). 

Rule 5. Never Admit Fault

There are many factors in establishing fault and only your Legal Accident Defense Team is equipped with sufficient knowledge and experience to properly determine liability while protecting your rights as a car accident victim.

Additional useful advice from our car accident attorney

Make sure you are in possession of all your accident-related documents, including:

• your claim number
• the names and telephone numbers of all contacts/persons involved
• receipts for your rental car
• receipts for other expenses incurred as a result of the accident

Keep these documents together. 

Seek medical attention even if you think you were not injured. Injuries caused by car accidents may not be evident or immediately apparent. In some car accident victims, symptoms occur a day or two after the accident. Our car accident attorney in Plantation will advise you where to seek the best immediate help.

Where to find a car accident lawyer with free consultation near me?

If this is the first time you have been a victim of a car accident in Florida, you probably have many questions like:

• What are my legal rights?
• Am I entitled to compensation?
• Are my medical bills covered?

AskMyAttorneys.com has qualified and experienced accident lawyers serving Plantation and the surrounding area. Our personal injury attorney will walk you through the process, taking the stress out of a situation that is already stressful enough.

For more information, visit our website or call us directly at 954-961-5100. You can also contact us for a free consultation of your case.