Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Guidance from a Compassionate St. Petersberg Personal Injury Lawyer

Getting into an auto accident can be a harrowing experience. Even when injuries or damages are minor, these impacts can be unexpected and frightening-- especially when you and your passengers remain in the flow of traffic. There are, however, steps you can take following your accident that will not only allow to safely resolve the crash, but also prepare for any future legal action.

At the Law Offices of John R. Mathias, P.A., Attorney Mathias and our team have dealt with countless car accident victims in need of legal counsel. In many cases, these victims proceeded after their accident in ways that hurt their long-term efforts to recover compensation. We are now happy to share the best practices for proceeding after an accident to preserve viability of a future injury or damages claim.

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident

The first and most crucial step following a car accident is tending to the injured. In serious accidents, medical personnel arriving at the scene will do this and it is important that you follow their instructions. In less serious accidents, immediately pulling to the road shoulder is appropriate.

After stopping the vehicle, your steps should be as follows:

• Exchange information with the other drivers involved. Be sure to collect their names and insurance information.
• Call the police. Although you may not like the idea of calling the police, the other driver(s) may try to change their story later on if the police are not called. Furthermore, some insurance companies require drives to report their accidents to the police.
• Report your claim immediately. The sooner you report your claim to the insurance company, the better.
• See a doctor. Seeing a doctor is not only important to ensure all of your injures are diagnosed and treated correctly and in a timely manner, but a doctor can also give you an idea about the extent of your injuries, which is important for determining how much compensation you should ask for.
• Get your car fixed. If you need to get your car fixed, we can help coordinate your repairs and get an adjuster out to appraise the damage. If your car is damaged beyond 80% of its value, your car will most likely be considered "totaled," and the insurance company will give you a check for its cash value. In addition to the value of your car, you may also be compensated for the loss of the use of your car, as well as rental car expenses while your car is being appraised or repaired.

If you have followed these steps, then you have laid the groundwork for pursuing thorough legal action against any negligent parties involved in your accident. If you have been in a crash you believe was caused by another motorist, speak to the proven St. Petersburg personal injury attorney at our firm today.