Four Things to Do If You are Involved in an Automobile Collision

Automobile collisions can change a person’s life in an instant. The stress of getting your medical bills paid and making sure you can meet your financial obligations when you are unable to work due to your injuries can be overwhelming. The hiring of an experienced personal injury lawyer like the lawyers at Largey Law can help streamline the process and help you focus on recovery while insurance matters are dealt with by an attorney who understands the process and the motives of big insurance companies. At Largey Law we have handled thousands of automobile, other personal injury and wrongful death cases and we are equipped with the knowledge and experience to maximize your recovery while allowing you and your family to focus on recovery.

In order to protect all of your interests and maximize your recovery in an automobile collision, there are certain steps that must be taken to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure that your insurance company promptly pays your medical bills and lost wages in a timely fashion while you recover from your injuries.

1. ALWAYS CALL 911 AFTER AN AUTO COLLISION

Often times, after an automobile collision, the at-fault party will plead to the not-at-fault party to handle the matter without police intervention. They will typically tell the not-at -fault driver that there is no reason to get the police involved and they will “take care of you” when it comes to your automobile damage and your injuries. When they are contacted at a later date to live up to their promise, they will deny that they were at-fault and will suddenly suffer from memory difficulties when confronted with their promise to “take care of you”.

Call 911 in the event that you are involved in an auto collision. Police officers are trained to investigate traffic collisions and will, in most circumstances be able to provide evidence which will establish fault to the negligent driver. Additionally, the police officer will provide you with the at-fault driver’s insurance information so that a claim can be set up quickly and may take photographs of the vehicles and the crash scene and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses to the collision.

2. SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT RIGHT AWAY, TREAT REGULARLY AND FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S ADVICE

If you are injured in an automobile collision, it is critical that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Insurance companies. Florida is a no-fault state which means that YOUR insurance company is responsible for payment of up to $10,000.00 of your medical bills. If you are not examined and treated by a qualified medical treatment provider within fourteen (14) days from the date of the collision, your insurance company can deny paying the majority of your medical bills. Additionally, insurance companies will have a built-in excuse for denying you the full value of your claim by arguing “if he/she was really injured, why did he/she wait five (5) days to see a doctor?” Insurance companies will make every argument they can to minimize the value of your injuries. Why give them ammunition?

Another argument which is frequently forwarded by insurance adjusters is that there were significant gaps in treatment. If your doctor advises you to follow a particular treatment regimen, follow it. If for some reason you can’t make an appointment, call, cancel, and reschedule the appointment. If you continuously “no show” for your appointments, insurance companies will argue that you couldn’t be that injured if you didn’t follow the treatment schedule.

If your doctor suggests that you have a diagnostic test or be seen by a specialist, follow your doctor’s advice. Oftentimes a diagnostic study such as an MRI or an EMG will pinpoint the injury and provide the proof you need to prove that you have been seriously and permanently injured as a result of the collision. A surgical recommendation by a medical specialist concerning you injuries can mean the difference between a low-ball offer by an insurance company and a fair resolution of your case. Follow all of your doctor’s advice

3. TAKE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND ALL VEHICLES INVOLVED

 Insurance companies often argue that their insured was not at-fault and/or that the injuries received could not have been caused by the impact of the collision. Photographs which show the accident scene including skid marks, obstructions, road conditions and final resting places of vehicles are often helpful in persuading insurance adjusters and juries who was responsible for the collision and liable for the injuries suffered. Photographs of the automobiles involved in a collision help insurance adjusters and juries understand the impact of the collision on the occupants of the car. Take photos close-up and far away. Close-up photos of the bumper, undercarriage, trunk and quarter panels of a damaged vehicle show the structural damage of the car caused by the impact. Far away photos show the obvious damages to the vehicle and can show how both vehicles were impacted.

4. IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Experienced auto accident attorneys understand the process. They understand what needs to be provided to insurance companies to get your medical bills and lost wages paid promptly. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney allows you to focus on recovery while the attorney handles all of your insurance matters. Experienced personal injury lawyers can make sure you get the medical treatment necessary to maximize the value of your case and can streamline the process so you can receive maximum results in a shorter time.

Experienced auto accident attorneys can advise you when it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit and can litigate your case to maximize your recovery. Additionally, experienced personal injury attorneys can advise you when it is in your best interest to accept an offer and avoid the cost and emotional distress of litigation

Largey Law is a personal injury law firm with experienced attorneys. We have represented thousands of injured people and have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients in their time of need. We are committed to using all of our resources and experience to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery for your injuries. AT LARGEY LAW, JUSTICE IS OUR BUSINESS. Contact us at any time to talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case, free of charge.