On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | October 1, 2024 | Car Accidents
No matter the extent of your injuries or vehicle damage, being in a car accident can be overwhelming. If you were in a minor crash, you may think that you only need to check that you and your passengers are okay before driving off. In this article, our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys would like to discuss the steps that should be taken in a minor crash to protect your legal rights.
Move Your Vehicle Out of the Way of Traffic
In the aftermath of a collision, you may be stunned. It may even take you a few moments to catch your breath. As soon as possible, if your vehicle can still be driven, you need to move your car to the side of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic.
Check for Injuries
Just because you were involved in a minor crash, do not assume that everybody made it out unscathed. Following the crash, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If the other driver is still at the accident scene, you should check to see if he or she is hurt. If anyone was injured, you should call 911 immediately.
Even if you only suffered minor injuries, seek medical treatment right away. If you wait days or weeks following the crash, the negligent driver may assert that your injuries were unrelated to the accident. If you cannot prevent evidence to the contrary, you may be unable to recover medical damages.
Self-Report the Crash
If the crash was a “fender bender” with no reportable injuries, then you may have the option to self-report the crash. You must complete a crash report, which can be done online or by mail. Under Fla. Stat. §316.066 (1)(e), if your crash did not require you to call law enforcement, you only have ten days to provide a written report of the crash. If you are unsure if you should contact law enforcement, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact them.
Exchange Insurance Information
Before you leave the accident scene, it is important that you get the full names and contact information of the other driver(s) and passengers involved in the crash. You will also want to get the name of the insurance company and the policy number of each driver. If possible, write down the license numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of each driver as well. Be sure to ask each driver if he or she is the vehicle owner.
When speaking with the other drivers, never admit fault. Any statements you make that suggest that you are partly responsible for the crash can be used against you by a claims adjuster in the future.
Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
Taking pictures of any vehicle damage (no matter how minor) is important when filing an insurance claim. It is a good idea to get photos of your injuries, no matter how minor. Documenting your physical condition at the time of the accident will prevent a claims adjuster from questioning the severity of your injuries. It will also aid a car accident lawyer, providing further information regarding your accident.
Take Down the Names of Any Eyewitnesses
An eyewitness offers an impartial, third-party account of the event. A bystander that can confirm your version of events will help support your claim. If a bystander witnessed the accident, you will want to get the individual’s name and contact information since your attorney may call on that person later to testify.
Contact a Port St. Lucie Car Accident Attorney Today
Even if you are involved in a minor crash, it is important that you acquire representation to protect your interests. The Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa are experienced in representing clients in all types of motor vehicle crashes. No accident is too big or too small for our legal team.
To learn how our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys can assist you, call us or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
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