What To Do After A Car Accident

The Datny Law Firm is a boutique personal injury law firm in Boca Raton helping car accident victims throughout the State of Florida including, but not limited to, those hurt by drunk drivers or texting drivers. Personal Injury Attorney David B. Datny has helped many car accident victims as well as injured passengers and pedestrians. He has extensive experience prosecuting and defending car accident claims, which makes him particularly well positioned to opine on what to do and what not to do after a car accident.

Unfortunately, some of the most critical moments in determining the viability of a car accident claim or ultimate law suit is in the moments immediately after the crash when the victims are hurt, in pain, in panic or filled with adrenalin and not thinking or speaking clearly. Doing or saying the wrong thing in these moments can make or break a victims ability to successfully pursue a claim or lawsuit for medical benefits, out of pocket expenses, future medical care or pain and suffering.

Because of this, it is so important after a car accident, trucking accident or motorcycle accident to follow the six (6) steps below before immediately contacting Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer David B. Datny at 561-221-7474.

1. Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries

Any time you are involved in a car accident or otherwise suffer an injury, your first step should always be to seek any necessary emergency medical treatment. If you are unsure whether or not you need to see a doctor, err on the side of caution and have your injuries checked out. It’s not always immediately obvious how serious an injury is, particularly if you are in shock after an accident. But, failing to obtain prompt medical attention can aggravate your injuries and jeopardize your claim for damages especially considering in Florida you have 14 days to treat or you lose your right to No Fault (PIP) medical benefits. That means, if you do not treat within 14 days you waive your right to medical coverage under your automobile insurance policy.

2. Report the Accident

After an accident, whether with a car, truck or drunk driver, you should always call the Police. Never leave the scene of a crash before the Police arrive and prepare a crash report. Simply exchanging insurance information alone is not enough any may jeopardize any future claim. Many insurance adjuster or defense lawyers question the validity of accidents that were not reported especially if it is a low impact or modest property damage matter.

3. Document the Accident

Before crucial evidence at the scene of the crash is lost forever, make sure you take pictures of everything. Take pictures of the position of the vehicles after the crash and before they are moved to the side of the road. You also want to take photographs of the property damage of both vehicles as well as the roadway (e.g., skid marks, signage, lights). If you sustained any injuries, document those as well by taking photographs. If the other driver was drunk, or under the influence, take photographs or video of him or her especially if the Police conduct road side sobriety testing or place them under arrest. The more documentation at the scene the better able we are to build you case.

4. Identify Witnesses

At the scene of the accident, identify any witnesses and be sure to get their names and contact information before they leave. Their statements may be crucial in establishing the other driver was at fault for the accident, texting while driving or operating his or her vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This type of evidence is crucial to establishing entitlement to punitive damages in texting and driving accidents or drunk driving crashes.

5. NEVER ADMIT FAULT

6. Call Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer David B. Datny

Before doing anything else, including talking to the insurance company, call or text Personal Injury Attorney David B. Datny at 561-221-7474. Mr. Datny and The Datny Law Firm will walk you through the process and make sure your rights are protected and the insurance company does not take advantage of you. All consultations whether on the phone, via Skype or at our office are FREE and we will travel to you if necessary.