Miami, Florida is known for many things, but one of the lesser-known facts is the sheer number of accidents that happen here. 62,529 car accidents were reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in Miami in 2021 alone — That is a significant number of accidents, with one taking place literally after every few hours.
If you have been living in Miami for a long time and have not experienced a car accident, you should consider yourself very lucky. As good as the knowledge of having avoided accidents might be, it is always a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of it happening to you. Considering the alarming statistics of car accidents in Miami, you might experience one yourself at some point.
It does not matter how good a driver you are. Car accidents are always unpredictable and happen when you least expect them. Have you or someone you know recently experienced a car accident in Miami, Florida? There is a chance that you can receive compensation for the damages you incurred, provided that you know what to do after experiencing a car crash.
Now, of all the things to do, calling your lawyer after experiencing an accident is one of the most important things you can do to maximize your chances of getting compensation. Many people wonder when they should contact a lawyer after an accident. Ideally, you should never hesitate. It can never be too soon to get in touch with Miami car accident lawyers after you experience such an incident.
The sooner you seek proper legal help, the more time your lawyer can have to build a strong case for you. Giving a qualified car accident attorney an ample amount of time to work your case can significantly increase your chances of getting full and fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.
You might feel hesitant to call a lawyer after an accident. However, waiting for too long before you make the call means increasing the risk of losing the compensatory amount you deserve for the damages you suffered. Today’s post will discuss the steps you need to take after an accident in Miami and highlight some of the most important reasons you should not wait to reach out to qualified attorneys.
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What You Should do After Experiencing a Car Accident
The first and most important thing to do after experiencing an accident is to seek medical attention for yourself and for anybody else injured in the crash. You should seek medical help even if you feel like you did not get injured in the accident. There are several types of internal injuries that do not show symptoms right away but can become worse in a few days or weeks. Seeking immediate medical attention can help you identify and start treating such conditions proactively.
Suppose that you were unscathed in the accident but the other vehicle’s driver or passengers are injured and incapacitated. It is your legal obligation to call the authorities and offer any assistance possible until emergency services arrive. When the police arrive at the accident site, they will conduct an investigation and file a report. You should ask the responding officers how you can obtain a copy of their report. If you have trouble getting the report, you can ask a lawyer to obtain it for you.
Documenting everything is another important thing to do after experiencing a car crash. If the crash did not leave you debilitated, you should take pictures of the accident scene, the injuries you suffered, and any property damage. Taking videos of the accident scene and recording witness statements from people who saw the crash are also important things you can do to build a strong case. If you cannot get permission to record video statements, you can ask them for their contact information and have your lawyer interview them at a later date when they are investigating your case and gathering evidence.
Once you are sure that everyone is safe, you should call your lawyer immediately. The right car accident lawyer will know how to help you navigate your car accident case. They know the ins and outs of Florida’s personal injury laws and are well-versed in local and state laws that can help you seek the compensation you deserve to become financially whole again. If you have a valid claim, experienced Miami car accident lawyers can guide you through the complex legal system to ensure that your rights to receive full and fair compensation are protected.
What About Informing the Insurance Company?
Notifying your insurance provider of the accident is another critical step to take after experiencing a car crash. You might feel inclined to reach out to the insurance company before you talk to your lawyer, but it is better to practice a little bit of patience there. You need to be careful with what you say to your insurance company when informing them of your accident. Insurance adjusters tend to feign genuine concern for you when all they are trying to do is find ways to devalue, delay, or outright deny your claim.
Saying the wrong thing to the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim could end up with them using what you said against you. There are several dos and don’ts when talking to your lawyer about your accident. Consulting an experienced car accident lawyer before notifying your insurance company can give you the heads up you need about what you should and shouldn’t say to your insurance company.
Ideally, you should enlist a lawyer’s help, especially if you experienced a bad car accident. A good lawyer can talk to the insurance adjusters on your behalf. They know the tricks insurance adjusters use and are expert negotiators. They can negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance company without making any mistakes that could devalue or delay your car accident claim.
When is it Necessary to Call a Car Accident Lawyer?
The Sunshine State’s statute of limitations regarding such cases is four years. It means that filing a case four years after the date you experienced the accident could disqualify your case. You might no longer be able to seek compensation for the damages you incurred. There might be situations where the deadline to file a claim comes earlier, depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
Many people also assume that calling a lawyer is unnecessary, especially when the car accident case is straightforward. Florida allows you to file a claim to seek compensation without the help of an attorney. However, that might not be the best choice if you want to maximize your compensation. You can choose to overgo working with a lawyer if your case is straightforward. But it is strongly advised to contact a lawyer if:
- The car accident resulted in severe injuries to either of the two parties involved
- The crash resulted in the death of someone
- You cannot return to work due to the severity of your injuries
- Several motorists or pedestrians were also involved in the accident
- An uninsured or underinsured motorist was part of the crash
- The accident involved a driver under the influence
- You have been facing issues with your insurance company
- You have been contacted by an attorney of the other motorist involved in the accident
Do Not Waste Time in Seeking Expert Legal Help
If you or someone you know has experienced a car accident, it would be in your best interest to seek immediate help from qualified legal professionals. When hiring an attorney, it is important that you find a lawyer experienced in dealing with car accident cases. Not every lawyer is well-versed in Florida’s complex laws surrounding car accident cases. Working with a lawyer with a proven track record of delivering positive outcomes for car accident cases is the best way to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you rightfully deserve.Consider contacting a team of Miami car accident Attorney who is experienced in helping clients through all kinds of situations involving simple and complex car crash cases in the Sunshine State. You can count on the lawyers to provide you with the sound legal advice and guidance you need to navigate Florida’s complex legal system. They can help you build a strong case, whether you have to file a claim with your insurance company or go out of the no-fault system to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
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