After a car crash, you may or may not be able to call 911, speak to police officers, take pictures of the scene, and more. Sometimes, people are too injured to do anything more than take an ambulance ride to the emergency room.
No matter what you did or didn’t do at the scene of the accident, there are important steps you can take in the aftermath of your accident to protect yourself. Doing the following can help uphold your rights to full compensation for your losses. If you want to discuss your accident and injuries, speak with our Tampa car accident attorneys as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical help after a car accident is crucial, regardless of how severe your crash seems. Even minor crashes can result in surprisingly serious injuries. Also, remember that certain injuries may not be immediately apparent without medical testing.
The following are some reasons why getting a medical evaluation is so important:
You May Have Hidden Injuries
Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can perform a thorough examination, identify any hidden injuries, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Document Your Injuries To Strengthen Your Claim
If you delay seeking medical help or fail to follow treatment plans, it can hurt your chances of getting full compensation for your losses. By seeking immediate medical attention, you demonstrate that your injuries were a direct result of the accident and that you took the necessary steps to mitigate damages.
You also have timely medical records to prove the extent of your injuries. Prompt diagnosis means you can begin treatment right away, which can help manage pain, prevent complications, and promote faster healing.
Take Advantage of Your PIP Benefits
Florida law requires all registered drivers to carry the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage policy of $10,000. Your $10,000 in PIP benefits is meant to help you pay your medical bills and any related costs not covered by your health insurance should you get into an auto accident, regardless of fault.
But, you may only claim PIP benefits if you seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Your initial diagnosis must also be from one of the following: a licensed medical doctor (M.D.), a Doctor of Osteopath (D.O.), a Dentist (D.M.D.), a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), or provided in a hospital or a medical facility owned by a hospital.
Seek Legal Assistance
Your physical condition is your priority immediately following a car accident. However, once you are stable enough, you should begin thinking about your legal rights. There are many reasons why you should always contact an attorney sooner rather than later.
Don’t Speak With the Insurance Company by Yourself
Your insurance company - or the liable party’s insurance company - might contact you shortly after the crash. They are looking for ways to minimize your payouts, and it’s too easy to unknowingly say the wrong thing. You want your lawyer to handle all insurance communications for you to avoid jeopardizing your claim in any way.
Gather Evidence Against the At-Fault Party
Evidence of your losses or liability for your crash can be difficult to obtain. Your attorney knows what to gather to prove your case.
Don’t Let the Statute of Limitations Run Out
The law sets limitations- called a statute of limitations- on how long you have to file legal proceedings. In Florida, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit recently changed from four years to two years. If you miss this deadline, you essentially lose your right to compensation.
Your attorney should have time to investigate, prepare your claim, negotiate with insurers, and more before it is time to file a lawsuit. You want to give them plenty of time, so never delay in seeking legal consultation.
A Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
Hancock Injury Attorneys represents car accident victims, and we can help you following a serious injury. Contact us for more information today.