Following a car accident in #sarasota, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the steps you need to take next – especially if you have experienced significant injuries. We’ve put together a quick checklist that will help make sure you take all the necessary steps following a car accident, continue reading below.
At the Scene of the Accident in Sarasota
If you are involved in an accident near Sarasota, the most important step is to ensure that your medical needs are taken care of. Do not take any actions that might worsen your injuries or put yourself in harm’s way. For both physical and financial protection afterward, follow these essential steps:
1. Report the Accident
It’s critical to dial 911 if you experience an emergency– both the Sarasota Police Department and an ambulance will arrive at your location right away. Not only does reporting the incident guarantee swift assistance, but it also serves numerous other crucial purposes.
When you are in a car accident, it is important to make the call right away. In doing so, you will be able to create an accurate time stamp for your records and obtain police assistance that can determine who was at fault or contributed to the incident. The officers on scene will also assess any evidence present and provide their statement of what they believe happened before leaving. This initial information is invaluable when making claims afterwards.
When police arrive they may ask for a statement about the accident. Refrain from owning up to guilt or dismissing any potential fault of the other driver if possible. Instead, provide a straightforward summary that explains what caused your collision; this should include details such as a distracted motorist who possibly played an impactful role in your crash.
2. Photograph Relevant Information and Evidence
Carefully survey the accident scene, noting any evidence that will be beneficial for future reference. If possible and safe to do so, snap some photos of how the incident occurred and anything in the environment which could have contributed to it. Taking these precautionary steps now can support your case later on.
You may also want to take photos of:
- The damage to the two vehicles
- The other vehicle’s license plate number
- The other driver’s license
- The other driver’s insurance card
- Your injuries, if you have any visible injuries
3. Take Note of Any Witnesses
If you are able to remain safe while surveying the accident scene, it may be beneficial to identify any witnesses present and collect their contact information. Make sure you look for nearby cameras that could have recorded the incident and document that information as well. You should avoid wandering around the area of impact if doing so will cause further pain or risk your safety in any way; when uncertain, stay put inside your car until help arrives..
4. Prioritize Medical Attention
It is essential that you get a medical examination quickly after your Sarasota car accident, even if you don’t feel like there are serious injuries. You may choose to be transported by ambulance or go yourself depending on the severity and any pain; regardless, it is important to let a doctor completely evaluate your health right away.
Even though certain injuries like whiplash or even a traumatic brain injury may not have any visible signs right after the accident, they can become more severe in time. There is also a chance of broken bones and soft tissue damage that you might be unaware of at first, so it’s important to get yourself checked out by your doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Seeking medical attention after a car accident serves two essential purposes: it ensures that you receive the care you need for your injuries and also provides evidence of when those injuries occurred. Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to allege that any damage sustained happened at a different time than the crash itself. However, with concrete proof from medical records illustrating precisely when your injuries took place, you have an easier chance of proving why compensation should be granted from the insurance carrier.
After Your Sarasota Car Accident: What to Do Next
After attending to the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may have many questions about what comes next. Perhaps you need guidance on how to best pursue compensation for your injuries. In any case, it’s important that you take the appropriate steps and know where to turn for assistance.
1. Get a Care Plan From Your Medical Provider and Follow It
A medical provider will develop a care plan tailored to your individual needs if you have sustained any severe injuries from the accident. It is important that you follow this plan – including abstaining from activities and bearing weight on broken limbs as instructed – for best health outcomes. Make sure that all of your appointments, follow-up visits included, are attended in order to remain on track with your recovery plan.
2. Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider
Florida drivers must not only have liability insurance but also personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is designed to cover any medical costs you may receive due to an automobile accident, regardless of who was at fault. Investing in PIP will help ensure that your health and wellbeing is always taken care of in the event of a vehicular incident. An experienced personal injury lawyer will guide you through handling your claim with your insurance provider, if they attempt to give you less that you deserve they will have your back throughout the entire process.
3. Get in Touch With an Experienced Sarasota Car Accident Attorney
Following an accident, make sure to get in contact with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer right away. If you experience extensive injuries from your Sarasota car crash, they will be able to accurately evaluate the compensation required for covering any and all costs related to any personal injuries you may have sustained during the collision.
If you’re overwhelmed by the constant calls from the insurance company, an attorney can step in and take over. They will be able to protect your rights and ensure that you receive a just settlement offer that meets all of your needs. Plus, they’ll eliminate any pressure or persuasion tactics used by agents trying to convince you to accept less than what is due to you.
Moreover, a lawyer can help gather essential evidence that could identify who caused your accident and if more than one person may have played a part in it. If you are able to pinpoint multiple culpable parties for the crash, then you may be able to receive greater compensation for any injuries sustained from the Sarasota car collision.
4. Contact Your Employer
For many Sarasota car accident victims, getting back to their job can be more difficult that they anticipated. It is essential to promptly inform your employer regarding the incident and any injuries you have sustained. Initially this could mean quickly letting them know of your inability to return immediately due to being injured but once there’s a better understanding of the extent of these wounds, it may require having an in-depth discussion about how much time off work will be required for recovery.
5. Arrange an Estimate of Your Vehicle’s Repairs
Before you repair your vehicle, make sure to consult with a lawyer first; this will ensure that the insurance company doesn’t deny any costs for repairs. The liable driver’s insurance provider may choose to send an employee over to assess the damage or ask you take it into a certified service center. However, no matter what happens, remember that you have full control in deciding where your car is ultimately repaired.
6. Contact Your Medical Insurance Provider
If your personal injuries are severe, medical insurance can be an important financial help to cover the costs of treatment. Nonetheless, there may be certain restrictions in the coverage that might impact how much you’ll pay for medical care.
Contact your medical insurance provider and ask questions about:
- In-network providers who can help with treatment for your specific injuries
- Your co-pays and deductibles related to the accident
- Any specific elements of your coverage that you may worry about in the aftermath of your accident, including coverage for durable medical equipment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a stay in a long-term care facility, or in-home medical care
Contact An Experienced Sarasota Accident Attorney
If you were seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision in Sarasota, chances are you have numerous questions and may be facing a long road to recovery. An experienced attorney can provide the legal support that is necessary to help protect your rights. Christine Law has the experience needed to guide you through your legal options. Don’t wait, it can cost you. Call (941) 548-9555 or use our online consultation form to speak to an attorney today!