South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
It can never be too soon to call a lawyer after experiencing a car crash. The earlier you seek legal representation, the more time your lawyer will have to prepare to help you have a successful case. Giving a good lawyer ample time to investigate an accident claim means he or she will be able to exhaust all possible avenues to help you seek compensation.
At the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our friendly lawyers are prepared to listen to the details of your car crash claim during a complimentary initial consultation. Allow our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers (by appointment only) to help you fight for your legal rights to financial compensation. We have more than 40 years of combined legal experience and have helped our clients obtain more than $100 million in accumulated successful verdicts and settlements.
While you may be hesitant to contact a lawyer for help, if you wait too long, you could be costing yourself significant amounts of compensation. Below, we provide steps you should take after a crash, the advantages to contacting a lawyer early in the process, and reasons why you should not wait to discuss your claim with a legal professional.
Steps to Take After a Crash
The most important thing you should do immediately after a crash, is seek medical attention for yourself and anyone who may have been injured. While you may not feel any significant injuries at first, it may take a few days or weeks before you begin to feel symptoms.
If someone needs help in another vehicle, it is your legal duty to offer assistance if possible, call 9-1-1, and wait for the police to arrive. Be sure to ask the responding officer how you can obtain a copy of the police report. If you are having difficulty obtaining a copy, your lawyer may be able to help.
If you are able to, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any other helpful clues, such as vehicle damage, skid marks, property damage, or traffic signs. If you were unable to take pictures or gather evidence, your lawyer may be able to handle this task by obtaining security footage.
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and contact information. You can also ask their permission to record a statement on video. Witness statements could have a significant influence in a car crash case because they are considered neutral parties. A licensed lawyer may also interview witnesses on your behalf.
Once you and your loved ones are in a safe situation, it is never too soon to contact a reputable attorney you can count on. The attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers know how to thoroughly investigate car accident claims and apply local and state laws to help you seek the rightful compensation from at-fault parties that are liable for your damages. If your claim is valid, our attorneys can guide you through the complexities of the legal system so you can rest assured, knowing your legal rights to pursue compensation are protected.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
While most insurance companies require you to notify them if you are in a car accident, it is important to understand how careful you need to be when communicating with them. Insurance adjusters are known for finding ways to delay or devalue injury claims.
If you use the wrong language adjusters may try to use it against you. For example, if you tell them that you are “feeling better,” they may lower the value of your claim saying that your injuries have improved.
Never admit fault to an adjuster and only provide the basic details about the crash such as when and where it occurred, whether you or anyone else was injured, and if there was significant vehicle or property damage.
We recommend letting your attorney speak with insurance companies on your behalf. A good attorney will know how to properly communicate and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
When is Calling a Lawyer Necessary?
Always remember that you only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury or property damage claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of the accident for most cases. This means if you wait until after the two-year period, your claim could be disqualified by the courts and you will no longer be able to pursue compensation. There may also be certain situations when your claim may be due earlier or later, depending on the details of the accident.
While you may think a minor fender bender may not require legal representation, it is always better to be safe and take advantage of a free consultation at the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers. Our attorneys never settle for less when it comes to helping our clients pursue fair compensation.
We strongly recommend giving us a call or contacting us online if:
- The crash resulted in severe injury or death to either party.
- The at-fault party is in question.
- You cannot return to work because of your injury.
- Multiple drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists were involved in the collision.
- An uninsured or underinsured driver was involved.
- The accident included a DUI.
- The crash occurred in a school zone, construction area, or other protected area.
- You are having issues with the insurance company.
- You are contacted by a lawyer.
Speak to a Qualified Legal Professional
When you decide to seek legal representation, it is important to hire a determined attorney with a proven track record. Be sure that your attorney has experience handling cases like yours.
The accomplished attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have handled over 6,000 cases combined while accumulating over 600 five-star reviews. We are here to help you learn more about your legal rights to seek fair compensation. We aim to protect the injured parties throughout the state of Florida, including the Port St. Lucie area (by appointment only).
If you were hurt in a crash, there is no need to wait to give us a call. We offer a free initial evaluation of your car accident claim without any obligation to hire our firm.
Contact an attorney at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers anytime, 24/7, by calling (855) 800-8000 or chat online through our website.