What to do after a traffic accident?
Safety is the number one priority after an accident:
Are you and your passengers okay?
- Contact the police and call for an ambulance if necessary.
- Is your car in a safe location? If not, can it safely be moved to a better location?
- Check to see if others need help.
- Do not talk to anyone about the accident other than emergency personnel.
- Never accept blame or fault for the accident. You may be unaware of all factors that contributed to the accident (did a tire blowout, was the driver of the other car texting etc…).
While waiting for help to arrive take note of important information:
- If possible, take pictures of the scene, the cars involved, obstructions, skid marks.
- Collect name, address, driver’s license number, date of birth and insurance information from all other involved drivers.
- Write down the name, address, phone and email from all passengers and witnesses at the scene.
Once help has arrived:
- Confirm the officer writes an official accident report and ask how to get a copy.
- Ask for the officer’s name, badge number and contact information.
- If you are treated at the scene, get the EMT’s and/or the hospital’s contact information.
- If your car is towed, get the towing company’s contact information.
After the accident:
- Seek medical treatment. The shock of a collision my hide injuries, aches and pain for hours, days and even weeks.
- Do not talk to the insurance adjuster of the at fault vehicle without talking to an attorney first.
- Call Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL and put us to work for you.
I have full coverage, why am I not covered?
Full coverage, can mean a variety of things and does not automatically include bodily injury. Your insurance company can provide clarification on your specific coverage.
What are the MMI and permanent impairment rating?
At the conclusion of your treatment with a doctor, our car and motorcycle accident lawyers will request a final narrative of your condition. Once a physician has decided you are at Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), some doctor’s assign, and insurance company’s request, a permanent impairment rating. It does not mean that you are back to the physical or mental condition you were at prior to the accident. It simply means your condition has stabilized and you have a loss. This is generally done pursuant to American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines. A permanent impairment rating technically is not called for as a basis at trial in an automobile case, but many automobile insurance companies like to have the impairment rating so they can evaluate the case.
Does my auto insurance cover my motorcycle accident?
Often the answer is no. Many motorcycle owners believe that they will be covered by their automobile insurance if they are involved in a crash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In Florida, insurance is not required for the owner and rider of a motorcycle. Furthermore, the PIP coverage a motorcycle owner may have on his car will not cover the owner if injured on a motorcycle.
How long will it take to bring my auto accident case to a conclusion?
The complexity of the accident as well as the particular injuries sustained will determine the time frame of the outcome. We resolve our client’s cases based on an understanding of their current and future medical conditions. Usually victims must have completed treatment for injuries before a case can be resolved. Once our law firm becomes involved, the average car or auto accident case is resolved within eight to 12 months.
What is my next step?
If you have been injured in an accident on our Florida roads or highways, the personal injury lawyers at Rubenstein Law can help. For a free consultation and case evaluation, call us at 1-800-FL-LEGAL, we are available 24/7 including nights and weekends to answer your call. We will come to your home, hospital room, place of employment or you can visit our nearby office in Broward, Miami, Orlando, Tampa or West Palm Beach.
We are experienced in a multitude of practice areas including Car, Truck and Motorcycle Accidents, Company Vehicle Accidents, Wrongful Death, Defective Products, Pedestrian Accidents and Construction Site Accidents. Your choices do matter put our skills and dedication to work for you.
