The DOs & DON'Ts of Auto Accidents

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is your legal right to hire a personal injury attorney and seek equitable compensation for the injuries and trauma you have suffered. Many people do not receive adequate compensation because they overlook a few basic but crucial steps after being involved in a auto accident. The following are some basic dos and don'ts to help ensure that you are able to recover the compensations to which you are entitled.

If you have recently been in an accident please contact a clearwater accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

DON'T panic and run away from the accident scene.

The pain, shock, and confusion you experience immediately after an accident may cause you to leave the accident spot immediately. Not only is fleeing from an accident spot illegal, it will also weaken your case even if you were not at fault.

DO stay and record all details.

The first thing to do after an accident is to stay calm and record the following:

  • Contact details of all the people involved.
  • Vehicle details such as make, registration number, insurance company details, color, headlights and indicators (on or off), etc.
  • Accident details such as how it happened, whether signal was red or green, how fast were the cars, etc.
  • Time and date of the accident
  • Weather conditions at the time of the accident
  • Damages to both vehicles

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    DON'T admit fault.

    If you admit fault, you eliminate any possibility of later proving otherwise.

    DO share details with the other party.

    Not cooperating with the other party when they ask you for details such as your phone number and address is an offence.

    DON'T ignore legal formalities.

    If the accident does not seem severe, you should still insist on reporting the accident to the police.

    DO contact the necessary authorities.

    Also, call up your insurance company immediately and let them know if you intend to file a claim for compensation. If you do not notify them within the time limit mentioned in your policy, the insurance company may refuse to compensate you.

    DON'T ignore injuries

    even if they seem minor.

    DO see a doctor.

    See a doctor immediately after a car accident, even if you have not suffered major injuries. The medical examination report is one of the most important documents for filing a compensation claim. Stinnette Law would be happy to refer you to a local Pinellas Auto Accident Injury Medical Specialist. 

    DON'T sign any document.

    Insurance companies and their claim adjusters will try their best to reduce the compensation amount that you receive. They will negotiate with you or make you sign documents that you may not understand.

    DO speak to an experienced attorney.

    The most important thing to do after a car accident is speak to an attorney with experience in car accident compensation claims. An experienced attorney will guide you through the claim process, help you negotiate with the insurance companies, and ensure that you get the compensation amount you deserve. At Stinnette Law a compassionate and competent ear is just a phone call away. We give each client involved in a clearwater auto accident  the attention they need and seek the maximum compensations that they deserve.