There are more than 17 million drivers each year in the State of Florida, and approximately 400,000 traffic accidents on Florida highways and roads annually. After a car crash, it’s important to call the police, get medical assistance, and contact your insurance company. When you aren’t at fault for an accident, it may also be necessary to consider bringing a claim against the at-fault driver to receive full compensation for your losses. You don’t need to deal with the aftermath of an accident alone; instead, call the law offices of Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers to ensure you protect your legal rights.
A motor vehicle accident can be a stressful experience, so it can be hard to remember what to do after a car accident that isn’t your fault. You should consider making a checklist to keep in your glove compartment to help you remember the most crucial steps.
Immediately After the Crash
First and foremost, you should assess yourself and any others for injuries. Approximately 60% of all Florida motor vehicle accidents result in some sort of injury to those involved. If anyone is injured, you should call for medical help as soon as possible. You should turn the hazard lights on in your vehicle and move to a safe location. Regardless of the severity of an accident, it is always important to report the incident to law enforcement. Notifying the police may become crucial for future insurance claims or legal proceedings. You should never leave the scene of a car accident until law enforcement has been contacted and arrived to evaluate. Lastly, you should be sure to collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved, including any eyewitnesses.
After the Crash
Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe, it is essential to have yourself evaluated by a medical professional. If you are working with Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we can direct you to a trusted healthcare provider who is familiar with insurance claims and legal proceedings.
You should also take photographs of the accident scene, including any damages to your vehicle, the road conditions, and any road signs. It is also important to notify your own insurance company about the accident, but do not admit fault or provide a recorded statement unless you’ve consulted with an experienced injury lawyer.
What is Fault in a Car Crash?
Fault in a car crash is synonymous with legal liability or legal responsibility for causing the accident. In many cases, the person at fault for an accident has acted negligently, and negligence or carelessness is the reason for the accident. In order to determine fault, attorneys will examine a variety of factors like traffic laws, eyewitness testimony, road conditions, or other evidence collected from the accident scene.
Why Fault Matters
Establishing fault for an accident is very important for determining who will be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. After an accident, you may be entitled to recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, and even vehicle repair costs. When you aren’t to blame for the accident, you should always consider working with an attorney to ensure your legal rights are being protected. An experienced injury lawyer will hold the at-fault driver responsible and ensure that you obtain a fair settlement.
It is also important to note that Florida law allows for comparative fault, which means that a defendant is only required to pay for a plaintiff’s damages in proportion to the percentage of fault attributable to the defendant. The law also states that ‘In a negligence action to which this section applies, any party found to be greater than 50 percent at fault for his or her own harm may not recover any damages.’ this means that it is important to understand how fault is determined. We recommend that you consult with one of our excellent attorneys to see whether you have a case.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you aren’t to blame for an accident, but you are still facing the harsh consequences of medical expenses and physical recovery, you probably have a number of questions about the insurance claim or legal process. Here are some common questions for accident victims:
Are There Things You Should Not Do or Say After a Car Crash?
Avoid making any statement that could be considered an admission of guilt or responsibility for an accident. Don’t discuss the details of the accident with the at-fault driver’s insurance company unless your attorney has expressly advised you to do so. Working with an attorney, especially one who is familiar with the tactics of insurance companies, can make all the difference when you are seeking to recover after an accident.
Were you or a loved one injured in an accident?
The law offices of Brian D. Guralnick help Florida residents and tourists seek compensation and Demand More? for their injuries.
Who Pays for Car Accident Damages when the Crash Wasn’t Your Fault?
The answer is pretty straightforward: when you aren’t to blame for the accident, you shouldn’t be responsible for covering the costs associated with the crash. Unfortunately, it isn’t always so simple to obtain compensation after an accident. Insurance companies are notorious for avoiding liability and attempting to minimize the amount of money they will pay to injured victims. This is exactly why it is advisable to consult with an attorney to make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we have more than three decades of experience navigating the complexities of insurance claims—don’t hesitate to call our office for a free case consultation today!
Should You Talk to the Other Insurance Company?
No. It is usually a bad idea to take on the task of speaking with the negligent driver’s insurance company, especially if an attorney doesn’t represent you. The primary goal of the insurance company is to minimize their own exposure by poking holes in your claim. You don’t have to take on this burden by yourself. Instead, call Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers to gain a trusted partner in the recovery process.
Final Thoughts
When you or someone you love aren’t to blame for a car accident, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. When you are injured, it is essential to seek legal advice from qualified and competent professionals like our team at Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers. With our expertise, you can confidently navigate the insurance claim process and, if necessary, take your claim through the legal process to vindicate your rights.
