7 Ways To Strengthen Your Claim After A Florida Car Accident
Corbin Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Although Florida has no-fault laws that require motorists’ Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover their damages, you still need to prove to your insurance provider that you deserve a certain amount of compensation for the injuries you sustained in a car crash.7 Things That Will Help Your Claim
Get Medical Treatment
Right after a car accident, you should call the police and 911. The paramedic will administer first aid to any injuries and then take you to the hospital if there are any serious injuries. If you were in this situation, never refuse medical attention, even if you plan on seeing the doctor later. Refusing or delaying medical assistance could be used as proof that you did not sustain injuries and reduce the value of your claim.
Be Careful What You Say To Them
The next thing you need to do after an accident is to report the said accident to your insurance provider. They will ask you about the details of the accident, during which you should be careful about what you say. Do not make statements that imply that you were not hurt, downplay the injuries, or that you were at fault for the accident.
Gather Evidence
Gather any evidence from the scene if you are physically capable. Take pictures of the cars, the injuries you sustained; take note if the other driver violated any Florida traffic laws; interview and collect the contact details of any witnesses; and request the police report.
After the accident, you should request medical records and bills, as well as receipts for out-of-pocket expenses; get documentation of vacation or sick leaves you used during recovery; and get your employer to verify all lost wages. These will all help you build a strong case once you file a claim.
Write Down What You Remember
Throughout the filing process, you will likely be asked to recount the events of the accident. This may be tricky from the beginning since you may be in shock right after the accident, and for most, their memory may be murky. However, as time passes by, your memory of what you remember may also fade. To avoid this and inconsistent statements, write down everything that you know from the accident as soon as possible.
Keep A Journal
If the car accident resulted in a serious injury that require long-term recovery, if not a permanent injury, start keeping a journal right away. Document the pain you feel, the emotional toll you experience, any misery or struggles as a result of trauma from the accident, and the additional burden that the injuries cause in your daily life. A journal is a concrete proof for things that are otherwise invisible and difficult to prove.
Get Expert Witnesses
As mentioned earlier, not everything is visible to the eye or easy to prove. Some things require special proof or explanations to be accepted. For that, you will need an expert witness to explain that something may happen as a result of the car accident and vouch that it deserves compensation.
Hire A Car Crash Lawyer
A car crash lawyer will help you throughout the process of filing an insurance claim. An experienced lawyer can determine the full value of your case and have the tools and knowledge to make sure that you get that amount, or as close to it as possible. Overall, having someone knowledgeable of the law and claims processes while you’re probably still recovering from your injuries is a major relief. Give us a call today to discuss your case.