What Should I Do After an Accident?

Taking the Right Steps After an Accident in Florida

When you have been involved in a serious accident, managing the aftermath may seem like a daunting process—especially when you have been injured at the hands of a negligent individual. In order to successfully navigate your way through the commotion that inevitably follows an accident, however, there are several important things that you must remember. Whether you have been involved in a serious auto accident or you have injured in a slip and fall accident on another’s property, taking the right steps after you have been injured is a crucial factor in obtaining rightful compensation. For this reason, remember to stay calm and follow a few simple steps that will help you to prove liability later on.

First, it is important not to give an official statement or admit guilt after an accident until you have had the chance to speak to a legal professional. The other party and their insurance representative will likely ask you to make a statement about the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries immediately after an accident, but this is just a way for the insurance company to collect evidence that can be used against you at a later time. For this reason, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney before agreeing to give any sort of statement. Similarly, it is important to collect proof of your own. Remember to take as many pictures as you can of the damage that was done so that you can successfully dispute any untrue allegations that are made later on.

Seek Medical Attention

After any type of accident, it is important to seek the medical attention that you need. You may be suffering from apparent injuries—like broken bones and burn injuries—but you may also discover that you have sustained injuries that can’t be seen, like closed head injuries and internal organ damage. For this reason, it is crucial that you receive treatment right away and that you keep detailed records of such. In doing so, you will have verifiable proof of the severity of the injuries that you have sustained, as well as a record of what medical expenses you can be compensated for at the conclusion of a lawsuit. Although you will likely be forced to pay these medical bills as they are incurred, it is important to know that you will be reimbursed for these expenses by the responsible party in the event that your case reaches a favorable outcome.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney

After you have undergone any necessary medical treatment, the next step should be to consult a personal injury firm and review the circumstances of your accident with an experienced attorney. In doing so, you can get started on the process of pursuing compensation from the negligent individual or party. An attorney will be able to investigate the evidence in your case and come up with an appropriate amount of damages to pursue in a lawsuit. If you are hesitant to take your case to trial due to the cost and time obligations associated with the legal process, you should know that about only 25% of all cases make it before a jury, and of those cases, most of them are settled before the trial even ends. As such, it is likely that you will be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the other party with the help of your respective attorneys.

By voicing your goals with your legal representation early on, they will be more adequately equipped to reach the settlement that you were hoping for. Finding the right attorney to represent you is always important, however, as they will be responsible for managing your lawsuit and reaching a favorable outcome to your case. Our firm is passionate about the cases that we take on, so you can rest assured that your best interests will be kept in mind throughout the entire process when you enlist our help. It is up to you to take the first step, however, so call us today for a free consultation regarding your case. In doing so, an attorney from the firm will be able to inform you of what to expect and provide you with the answers that you are looking for.