(When) Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident?

The process following an automobile collision can become frustrating, drawn out and confusing. Not taking the proper steps when involved in an accident could leave you exposed to complications and delays in the different processes following the crash. Contacting the police after any collision is one of those very important and necessary steps. Think of it this way, if you were involved in a fight but nobody was around to witness the fight, the explanation of this fight would end up being a “he said” “she said” argument. With no independent witnesses around to confirm the accounts fight, the two parties could essentially endlessly argue that the other side was at fault.

What To Do After A Personal Injury Accident?

Being in an auto accident can be a scary situation for most people. There are many things that go through your mind such as does the person that just hit me have adequate insurance, do I have adequate insurance, what do I do about my vehicle, should I call the police? It is always best to call the police immediately after an auto accident. Even if the other party tells you that they want to work out the damages with you directly and do not want the police involved, you should always call the police to protect yourself and your interests. If you do not have a crash report documenting your accident, it is hard for the insurance companies to determine liability, especially if the other party who hit you does not accept fault or changes their story when speaking with the insurance adjusters. This could result in time-consuming and costly lawsuits later down the road. Usually, a police officer can determine who is at fault from interviewing all parties involved in the accident and any independent witnesses that saw the accident happen. Police officers can also sometimes determine liability based on where the damage is to each vehicle.

How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

After an auto accident or a slip and fall, you may have several questions and find yourself searching the internet for answers. The internet is full of answers, some not as accurate as others. You may also find yourself discussing your claim with a friend or family member who may have their own input, which again may not be accurate information. Each personal injury claim is unique and some are more complicated than others. This is the number one reason why you should never rely on the information from someone who is not an expert in the personal injury field. Family members and friends like to help but their situation may have been greatly different than yours so what happened with their claim may not be applicable for yours. The only way to really know how to move forward with your claim is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can discuss your claim and your situation to see what the best plan of action would be.

Altoona Accident Injury Attorney

After experiencing an accident in Orlando, the last thing you want is to have an attorney at hand that doesn't know how to represent you adequately. You want a reputable Orlando law firm that will fearlessly fight to acquire maximum compensation on your behalf. That is precisely what Trial Pro, P.A. does. Our Orlando lawyers hold a strong reputation for winning cases, and we do everything in our power to deliver the results you're expecting.

If you've been involved in an accident in Altoona, FL, you need an aggressive and experienced trial attorney to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. At Trial Pro, P.A., we specialize in representing accident victims and their families throughout the cities and counties in and around Altoona, FL.

Our team of experienced lawyers has a deep well of knowledge when it comes to personal injury law, and they are dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients. We have a proven track record of winning settlements and verdicts for plaintiffs in various cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and wrongful death claims.

If you've been injured in an accident, you must act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you're entitled to. The first step is to hire an accident injury attorney who will work tirelessly to build a solid case and get you the desired outcome.

At Trial Pro, P.A., we understand that accidents can be overwhelming and traumatic, and we make it our mission to work with compassion and empathy for our clients. We take the time to listen to your story and understand the unique circumstances of your case to build a strategy tailored to your needs.

We have extensive experience navigating the complex legal process of personal injury claims, and we know how to deal with insurance companies, medical providers, and other parties involved in your case. With our skilled legal team on your side, you can be assured that your case is in good hands.

In Altoona, FL, accident injury cases can vary greatly, and the legal proceedings can be highly complex. Each claim requires a unique approach and thorough investigation, from car accidents to slips and falls to medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.

Our attorneys have the expertise and experience to handle any accident injury case, big or small. We pride ourselves on our ability to negotiate aggressively on behalf of our clients, but we are also skilled trial attorneys who will take your case to court if necessary.

We believe our clients deserve top-notch legal representation and aim to provide just that. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today to learn how we can help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.

Don't wait to take action. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Our accident injury lawyers in Altoona, FL, stand ready to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Trial Pro P.A. is proud to advocate for victims all over the state of Florida, including our office in Altoona. Our dedicated experienced personal injury attorneys handle a range of legal matters, from employment disputes to auto accidents claims. We can use our knowledge and legal skills to help you not only achieve a favorable outcome, but relieve the legal burden from your shoulders as well. Our entire team understands how challenging and confusing litigation can be, which is why we are here for you through every step of the process. Serving all areas of Florida including Orlando, Hillsborough County, Apopka, Saint Cloud, South Apopka, Melbourne and more!

What should you do if you are involved in an automobile crash in Altoona, Florida?

First, assess the physical condition of yourself and any occupants and provide any assistance you are competently able to perform. Do the very same for the passengers of the other motor vehicles. Immediately call 911 to report the accident and provide whatever facts they require. After that find a safe location for yourself and occupants and wait at the wreck site with your vehicle until the police arrive. You should not go over the specifics of how the collision developed with any other drivers or passengers at the accident site, as any statements you make in that aspect can be used against you in a future claim. You are required to cooperate with the investigating law enforcement department, and statements included in the police report can not be used against you in a later civil case other than if you are disputing a traffic citation. If you are physically able to do so, photograph the damage to your motor vehicle and any other vehicles associated with the traffic collision, and take shots of any visible injuries on you. In addition, call your insurance policy company and report the accident as soon as possible after these initial activities.

If you are experiencing soreness or discomfort to any degree, you should advise the responding law enforcement agent so they can dispatch healthcare professionals to evaluate the situation. When talking with emergency crews either on the crash scene or at the emergency room, it is crucial to state all of your personal injuries. Even if there is one serious complaint and other minor problems, there is no way to establish if one of these issues will become more significant, so you must log all of your complaints. If you choose not to seek medical assistance at the accident scene and instead decide to pursue medical treatment on your own, you must do so asap following the accident. This is equally for your personal health and well-being along with to ensure you meet specific statutory requirements regarding car insurance coverage. Most drivers and passengers suffering injuries are entitled to personal injury protection (PIP) insurance benefits of up to $10,000 toward payment of medical bills related to the accident. However, pursuant to Florida Statutes, unless you get medical treatment and the medical provider reports you have sustained an "emergency medical condition" or EMC, your insurance benefits will be seriously reduced. Once you seek medical care and the medical provider indicates in your record that you suffered an EMC, you are entitled to pursue the entire $10,000 benefit under either your PIP insurance coverage or a family member's PIP insurance. Be sure to document each one of your activities as you move forward. It is also important to record any out of pocket charges related to the crash. This includes lost time from work if you are not immediately able to go back to work, as you can recover from the liable driver not only medical bills and expenses, but also time you miss out from your work if your injuries prohibit you from conducting your work duties.

Need to File Personal Injury Claim after an Accident? Talk with our Expert Altoona, Florida Injury Accident Attorneys Contact Trial Pro Today for a FREE no obligation assessment - 800-874-2577

Once you have addressed these initial activities, you should look for representation from a trial lawyer in Altoona focusing on car accidents as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as there are insurance matters that must be promptly resolved, there is evidence that must be preserved which includes photographing the involved car or trucks, photographing the accident scenario, locating and speaking with witnesses, and examining and taking measurements of the collision location. As time goes by, these types of evidence become more hard or even impossible to secure. Witnesses relocate and gradually lose memory of specific details and actual evidence like skid marks, debris from the automobiles and damage to any part of the road or structures abutting the roadway also start to vanish, and once they are gone, there is no chance to recoup the same data. A lawyer will also identify all insurance providers that have any link to the vehicles or individuals associated with the traffic collision, and they will negotiate directly with the insurance adjustors so you do not have to. Your attorney should also submit claims for initial and ongoing lost wages, property damages to your vehicle, and all other accident damages you sustain in the very first days and weeks following the car accident and moving forward from that point until your claim is resolved. In choosing a lawyer, check out the lawyer and law office's number of yrs in practice, and be certain the attorney is a trial attorney. Fla lawyers work with car accident matters on a contingency basis, so there is no worry about paying out the lawyer until and unless the attorney recovers money for your accident injuries. The attorneys' fees for Florida lawyers handling car accident lawsuits are regulated by the Florida Bar and consistent with all attorneys throughout the state. Once again, get initial medical attention first and foremost-- that is critical-- but after that the sooner you talk to an attorney, the sooner the lawyer can start putting the components into place to attain fair and full compensation for your personal injuries and damages.

In the few days or weeks following the accident, the insurance provider for the at-fault driver may contact you. If you have retained a lawyer, simply instruct them of the name and contact details of the attorney, and do not give them any further data. If you have not retained an attorney, you should talk to a lawyer prior to giving any relevant information or claims to the insurance company. Insurance agencies are well-known for trying to quickly settle cases for lesser than amount, thus benefiting from their experience and awareness by discussing a car accident victim into receiving a considerably smaller sum of money than the victim would ordinarily be entitled. This is common with the insurance industry, and once they convince the victim to accept money, the victim typically is legally prohibited from seeking his/her insurance claim. The most suitable way to prevent allowing the insurance carrier to deny you of fair compensation is to retain an experienced law firm who has been down that road lot of times previously.

To speak with an injury attorney - Get in touch with us at (800) 874-2577 for a no obligation evaluation regarding your Altoonan injury case.

We Do Not Make money Unless You Do

At Trial Pro, P.A., our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. That means we cover the costs of researching, constructing, negotiating and litigating your insurance claim. We do not charge you a thing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If we don't win your suit, you will owe us nothing at all.

Our Altoonan injury lawyers also offer absolutely free evaluations to assess the elements of your insurance claim and determine if you have a case. Set Up a Free Evaluation

If you or somebody else you love has been hurt as a result of someone else's negligence or carelessness, you need a proven attorney on your side who is knowledgeable with the policies and regulations in Florida.

Our Altoonan injury lawyers are well-versed in tort litigation and have been recognized by our peers for our success. A few of our attorneys have been identified as Super Lawyers and distinguished litigators for their accomplishments in behalf of our clients.

We have recovered desirable verdicts and settlements that contributed in assisting our clients recover from their injuries or the loss of a loved one. Let us help you recover the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Personal Injury Cases Frequently Asked Questions