What to Do and
What Not to Do
A car accident is a force majeure event that requires a certain sequence of steps after it occurs. However, during a car incident, the people involved do not always take the right actions. This leads to difficulties in determining a claim. Many victims believe that a traffic crash in Orlando can be handled only by a police officer. In fact, the police officer is simply a representative of the authorities who records the facts, then submits them for expert evaluation. The expert evaluation will determine the degree of guilt of each participant and, consequently, the compensation payments. In most cases, victims do not know how to properly calculate the compensation, so they need the help of a car accident lawyer.
Car Accident Do's and Don'ts in Florida
Each state has its own laws governing car incidents. Florida, including Orlando County, has a regional statute. The main point of the legislation is the “caution” principle. This means that if the principle of “caution” has not been considered in the traffic crash, each participant will have a different level or degree of responsibility. In basic cases, the degree of liability is determined by the modified degree of fault of each of the participants in the accident.
Panic is a major barrier that prevents a participant from navigating the incident correctly. We recommend taking the responsible step and calling our attorney in Orlando, who will explain your next steps after a car incident.
What you should do
Stop after a collision and stay where you are. Do not leave the scene of the incident until a police officer arrives. Notify 911 that there has been an accident and if there are any injured people who need medical attention.
Collect and photograph evidence of a car crash in Orlando. You can film the crash on your mobile device and then show the video as evidence to an attorney, who can help you file a lawsuit.
What you should not do
You should not move an injured person. The exception is if there is a possibility of fire, explosion, or other impending danger.
Do not admit guilt. Never apologize, even if you are truly at fault. Admitting fault is tantamount to admitting that you were responsible for the traffic crash.
Do document the accident scene
A patrol officer, upon arrival, documents the scene, recording all the circumstances of the incident. You should not tell the officer whom you think is the guilty or innocent party. Otherwise, your opinion, as documented in the Orlando police officer’s report, could be held against you. You have the right to keep your own documentation of a car crash and later verify the traffic officer’s statement. Remember, you should not disclose the circumstances of a car crash that you have documented to third parties. You have the right to give the documented information to your lawyer, who will help draw up a claim or request.
Do get a copy of the traffic crash report
After you sign the traffic officer’s report, you have the right to get a copy of the document. You can obtain this copy using your mobile device or by visiting the Orlando traffic police station. Be aware of the liability of disclosing information from the report. If you post the information in the public domain, such as on the Internet or in the media, you may be fully liable for the car crash in the future, even if your fault is minimal.
Do keep a journal and/or file of your accident and recovery
Starting from the moment of the car accident, your routine will change and you will need to keep track of the next steps with the vehicle as well as the accident paperwork. It is recommended that you keep a separate journal or report in which you state everything pertaining to the car incident. You will need to note not only the day of the accident but also the exact time when it happened. The practical experience of attorneys has shown that a difference of several minutes in the order of the investigative actions may determine whether or not you are deemed to be guilty of causing the crash.
Don't ignore the seriousness of a car crash
Even a small and insignificant incident on the road can get you into big trouble. Never ignore the seriousness of a car crash. If you take it lightly, the other driver’s insurer might sue you for compensation. Also, don’t downplay the seriousness of the accident in front of a police officer. As a party involved in the crash, you will be assessed penalty points, even if the incident was minor. An improperly filed police report may get you not only a fine but also jail time.
Don't overreact at the accident scene
No matter how bad the car incident is, there is no need to overreact. There is a risk that another party to the accident may accuse you of intentionally hitting their vehicle. Stay calm, even if you are provoked into action by others involved in the incident. If you are unsuccessful in resolving the incident, contact our lawyer for a free initial consultation regarding your next steps.
Don't help the other driver's insurance company
Your certificate of insurance requires that you immediately notify your insurance agent about an incident that happened to you in Orlando. The same requirements apply to other parties involved in an accident. Insurance companies understand that they will have to pay compensation, as well as the various expenses of the other parties involved in the accident. The insurer may ask you to sign documentation that supposedly settles the financial part of the accident. Never sign any document from the other driver’s insurer without first discussing it with an attorney.
Be ready to handle calls from the at-fault party's insurance company
It is a common practice for certain pre-trial interactions to take place between the participants in an accident. Insurers are stakeholders, and it is their responsibility to clarify information from the other parties involved. Report only the information that was recorded in the police officer’s report. No other information, including new circumstances, should be given to the insurer.
Be mindful of the statute of limitations
Under Florida Statutes, there is a four-year statute of limitations. During this time, you can file an automobile accident claim. If you miss this deadline, you will no longer be able to file a claim and seek compensation from the insurance companies and those responsible for the accident. In addition, you will need to see a doctor within 14 days of the accident. Otherwise, you will not be able to obtain compensation for medical bills in the future.
Speak to an attorney about your case
Have you been in a car accident and do not know what to do next? In most cases, crashes involve interaction with insurance companies as well as state court panels. To help you choose the right course of action, we recommend that you contact an attorney who will review your case and prepare a step-by-step course of action. An initial consultation with our lawyer will always be free of charge for you!
Today
Contacts
THE NUNEZ LAW FIRM ORLANDO LOCATION
(407) 264-8773
TheNunezLawFirm@gmail.comWe are open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.