Screeching tires and a sudden impact. For many, it is the beginning of a long nightmare involving weeks or months of recovery, mounting medical bills and frustrating discussions with insurance claims adjusters. There are steps you need to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. If you are involved in an accident in Florida, you need to act responsibly and do your best to follow State law. Insurance adjusters have an advantage when discussing your settlement. They handle claims all the time. For most car accident victims, this will likely be your first time making a serious car insurance claim. Insurance adjusters have a responsibility to settle your case and honor your insurance contract, but they may sometimes offer victims and their families the lowest possible settlement permitted under the law or under the terms of the contract. Having a car accident attorney like Pappas & Russell, P.A. in Daytona Beach, Florida to estimate the value of your case, and provide insurance companies with the information they need to settle your case fairly, can make an immense difference in the outcome of your claim. You don’t have to navigate the insurance claim process alone after your accident.

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FIRST: REMAIN CALM.

Don’t panic! If there are no injuries try to get to a safe place; if the vehicles can move, try and get to a safe place off the road and out of traffic.
Don’t leave the scene of an accident. As a responsible driver it’s up to you to provide any help that might be needed and leaving the scene can end up with you having your license suspended or even be charged with a crime. Stay on the scene, call the police, and render aid to other drivers if you can. Call emergency services and follow their instructions.

Report the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol is normally the agency responsible for investigating the crash. The sooner they can get on scene the better reporting they can do since the evidence will be better preserved. If there are any injuries there should be no delay in getting the proper help to the scene.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH OTHER DRIVERS AND WITNESSES

Florida law states that all drivers involved in an accident are required to give certain information. This includes:

• Name, address and contact information
• Driver’s License number
• License plate numbers of the vehicles involved
• Insurance information for everyone involved

Everyone has a smartphone today, use it to take as many pictures as you can.

REPORT THE CAR ACCIDENT

According to Florida law you are required to immediately report an accident to FHP or local law enforcement if that accident involves death or injury or:

• If it is a hit and run
• Caused by an intoxicated or impaired driver
• Involves property damage over $500

The FHP or local law enforcement will normally file a crash report however if they don’t you need to file a crash report within 10 days of the crash.

While it might be tempting to handle an accident on your own, especially if the crash appears to only be a fender bender, your best option is to call the police and make a police report. Some accidents that appear minor may still require expensive repairs and some accidents that may not appear to result in injury may actually involve injuries that can become manifest later, like whiplash, brain injury, and even PTSD. Don’t make assumptions. Report the crash. If you have further questions, reach out to the car accident lawyers at Pappas & Russell, P.A. in Daytona Beach, Florida today.

AND

Report the accident as soon as you can to your insurance company. If you are injured, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. The law limits how long you have to seek medical treatment for injuries related to an accident. You have 14 days to seek medical treatment after an accident under the PIP law. Any delay in seeking medical attention is also cause for your insurance to deny your claim.

People often do not know where to turn for help.
At Pappas & Russell, P.A.  we are strong advocates for victims of car accidents. We stand up for our clients and help them get the medical care and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We are experienced, knowledgeable and determined to succeed in every case we handle.
Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Advocates for Victims of Auto Accidents

For more than 20 years, our car accident attorneys have been helping injured people obtain compensation for losses suffered in vehicle accidents. Two of our attorneys began their legal careers in the field of insurance defense. From this experience, we understand how to deal with insurance companies and get results for our clients. We know how insurance adjusters and insurance companies work, which helps us better understand how to build your case and defend you.We have significant experience in cases involving wrongful death and serious injuries, including spinal cord injury, paralysis and brain injury, as well as other types of injuries.
Working with your doctor, we will to determine the medical care and rehabilitation services you need to recover to the greatest extent possible. We will prepare your claim, handle all dealings with your insurance company and pursue all possible avenues of compensation. Our goal will be to obtain maximum compensation for you.
Standing Up for You
We can handle all aspects of your insurance claim from start to finish. We will document your financial losses (including medical costs and lost wages), as well as any non-economic losses you have suffered. Our careful case preparation enables us to negotiate fair settlements in many cases. If a trial is necessary, however, we will work aggressively to protect your rights and obtain compensation for you.
Pappas & Russell, P.A. wants to help you get the medical care and compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Free Consultation with a Lawyer
For more information about how Pappas & Russell, P. A. can help you obtain compensation for injuries suffered in a car accident, contact our firm. We only get paid if you win, and we can offer you an honest assessment of your case and the next steps.

How Can We Help !

• We also accept cases involving boating injuries and airplane accidents.
• To schedule a free consultation with one of our auto accident attorneys, please contact us today.
• No matter what type of vehicle you were in when your accident occurred.
• Pappas & Russell, P.A. wants to help you get the medical care and compensation you need to rebuild your life.
• Free Consultation with a Lawyer

Contact Us Now