When you’ve been in a car accident, it’s hard to know what you should do to protect your legal rights. Most accident victims don’t even realize that they are entitled to compensation for any damages caused by the other driver.
The minutes and hours following a car accident are crucial. If you don’t take the right steps, you could miss out on the compensation you’re legally entitled to receive. Get help from an experienced Miami car accident lawyer.
Here are the main things you can do to protect your rights following a car accident:
Document the Scene
If you’ve been in a car accident, you know that it can be a chaotic and confusing time. You need to first focus on getting medical help if necessary, but if you’re able to take some time to document the scene and what happened leading up to the crash, you will be helping your Florida car accident case immensely. Without solid evidence, your insurance company, for example, will likely try to deny or reduce your claim.
Talk to the Police
Not all car accidents in Florida have to be reported to the police. For example, if two cars hit each other and there is only minor damage, you don’t have to report it. On the other hand, if someone hits your car and then drives away, if a car accident caused more than $500 worth of damage to either personal property or the car itself, or if there is any kind of injury, you should call the police as soon as possible.
Never Admit Fault
The police will want to know what happened and how you are involved. Be honest, but do not admit fault – it could cost you a fair settlement in the long run! You may think the accident was your fault when it was not. “Fault” can only be determined by a court and if you admit to being at least partly responsible for an auto collision then you forfeit whatever compensation was due to you.
When to Consult a Car Accident Attorney in Miami
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Not only are you trying to cope with the physical injuries sustained in the crash, but you also have to deal with insurance companies, car repairs, and potential legal action.
Qualified Miami car accident lawyers can help take some of the burden off your shoulders. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can learn more about the rights of car accident victims and build a case based on the evidence you gathered at the scene of the crash.
As soon as you get immediate medical care, it is important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. They will help guide you through the process of filing a car accident claim and make sure you complete all of the necessary paperwork within the time frame stipulated by Florida’s statute of limitations.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been in a car accident, you may have questions about car accident laws, car accident injuries, insurance coverage, and the car accident claims process. Reach out to a personal injury attorney from Kaire & Heffernan today and have all your questions and concerns answered. Our car accident lawyers in Miami, FL are here to help you through every step of your case and protect your rights. Contact our personal injury law firm online or call us at 305-376-7860 for a free consultation to discuss your case with a Miami car accident attorney.