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Understanding the process before filing a car accident insurance claim can benefit the involved victims. Many steps are required to ensure a claim will be successful. Taking the proper steps can also help protect their rights and best interests during recovery. After an accident, insurance companies pay close attention to the things victims may say or do in hopes of building a claim against them. This is why knowing what to do before you file your claim is imperative to its success.
Taking the Right Steps After an Accident
The following are the first steps you should take when involved in a motor vehicle accident:
- Pull Over - In Florida, you must stop your vehicle and call 911 immediately after an accident. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to $500.
- Exchange information - Drivers of both vehicles must exchange information such as first and last names, make and model of the car, license plate numbers, and phone numbers.
- Take pictures - If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, damages on both cars, or any injuries.
- Seek medical attention - Even if there are not any injuries present, victims of car accidents should always seek immediate medical attention. Not all injuries have symptoms that show up right away.
Understanding Florida is a “No-Fault” State
Since Florida is a “no-fault” state, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver will file a claim with their insurance company. It's important to note that although this may be the case if the accident causes injuries that meet the state's serious injury threshold, the injured victim may be eligible to file a claim through the other party's insurance company.
Contacting an attorney before filing an insurance claim for a recent accident is always recommended. This will allow claimants to have a complete understanding of their options and be correctly informed of any legal action they may be able to take.
Our Attorneys Can Help
Being involved in a car accident can cause so much stress, especially when suffering from accident-related injuries. Victims deserve to fully recover without worrying about the legal elements of their car accidents. Here at Schackow & Mercadante, we have a team of skilled car accident attorneys dedicated to getting victims paid for their damages. If you or anyone you know has recently been involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver's negligence, call our office today!
Contact us at (352) 261-6767 or visit us onlineto get started with your free consultation.