Being involved in any type of car accident can be traumatizing, whether it’s a serious head-on crash or a minor fender bender. However, knowing what to do after a collision will alleviate your stress and ensure that you fulfill any legal obligations imposed by state law. It can also be beneficial if you file an insurance claim or personal injury case.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in West Palm Beach, Florida, you don’t have to face your legal battle alone. The legal team at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers is here to help you identify all avenues for compensation and secure a maximum financial recovery.
Contact our law office for a free consultation with an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer. You can reach us by calling (561) 556-7873 or completing an online form.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach, FL?
Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws can be confusing, leaving car accident victims unsure of their options. You may be able to file a claim against an at-fault driver if your expenses exceed your PIP policy limits or you sustain serious injuries.
An experienced West Palm Beach car accident attorney will help you determine your potential courses of action. We have more than 28 years of experience in personal injury law and know how to fight for full and fair compensation.
If you hire Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers for help after a car crash in West Palm Beach, FL, we’ll handle your claim from start to finish, including:
- Investigating your car accident and determining how it happened and who could be financially responsible for your losses
- Gathering valuable evidence proving causation, liability, and the value of your damages
- Monitoring the statute of limitations and other important deadlines in your case
- Negotiating with insurance companies and at-fault parties for a fair settlement
- Protecting you if the opposing parties unfairly blame you for the crash
- Representing you in a Palm Beach County courthouse if necessary
To learn more about our legal services and how we can help, schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident In West Palm Beach, Florida
Below are a few steps you should take in the aftermath of a collision in Florida.
Stop Your Vehicle At the Scene of the Accident
Florida law requires all drivers involved in accidents causing property damage, injury, or death to immediately stop their vehicles at or near the scene. You must remain at the accident scene until you’ve fulfilled your legal obligations, including exchanging information and rendering reasonable assistance to any injured parties.
You should avoid unnecessarily obstructing traffic, meaning you may need to move your vehicle to the shoulder or a median. You should still remain as close to the collision area as possible and ensure that you’re in a safe location.
Failure to stop at the crash site could result in criminal penalties, as Florida takes hit-and-run accidents seriously.
Call the Police and Render Aid
If anyone is injured in the collision, you have a duty under Florida law to render reasonable assistance. This may include calling 911 for emergency medical services or transporting them to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.
You should immediately call the police if your crash involves any of the following:
- An injury or fatality
- Apparent property damage exceeding $500
- A fleeing driver (hit-and-run)
- A drunk or impaired driver (DUI)
- An inoperable vehicle that requires towing
- A commercial vehicle
- A driver who refuses to exchange information with you
However, even if your car accident doesn’t involve these issues, it’s recommended to contact the authorities to report the collision. If police are dispatched, they’ll complete a Florida traffic crash report outlining the details of the wreck.
Otherwise, you’ll have to self-report the accident to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within ten days of the crash.
Exchange Information
Under Florida law, you must exchange the following information with other parties involved in a collision:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle registration and license number
- Driver’s license information, if requested
- Liability insurance information
If any eyewitnesses stop at the scene, you should also ask them for their contact information. This will be useful if you need their statements later.
If you’re too injured to exchange information or are transported to the hospital, the police will gather it for you, and it should be included in the accident report.
Gather Evidence
If possible, take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including:
- Property damage to the vehicles and any other nearby structures (e.g., signs, buildings, trees, etc.)
- Up-close photos of the point of impact
- Tire skid marks
- The position of the vehicles and location of the crash
- Traffic conditions (to show whether traffic was heavy at the time)
- Debris around the scene, such as glass shards
- Any visible injuries you sustained
The more evidence you can collect at the scene of the collision, the better. This objective proof will allow your attorney to piece together what happened and build your case.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Many people think they aren’t hurt in a collision but later discover hidden or underlying injuries. That’s why it’s essential to get checked by a physician right after a car accident. The adrenaline from a wreck can mask the pain of an injury for days – and they may worsen without treatment.
Florida drivers must first turn to their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for compensation, regardless of who caused the accident. To receive medical benefits from your PIP policy, you’re required to receive treatment within 14 days of the car accident. Otherwise, your coverage may be denied.
Also, if you seek additional compensation from the at-fault party, you’ll need proof that the crash caused your injuries and damages. Seeing a doctor immediately will create a causal link between the accident and your injuries. It’ll also demonstrate that you mitigated your damages.
Do You Have Questions After a Collision? Contact Our Car Wreck Lawyer in West Palm Beach, FL for a Free Consultation
These are just a few tips on what to do immediately following a car accident in West Palm Beach, FL. If you have further questions, need clarification, or want help filing a claim, contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers. Our legal team is standing by 24/7 to take your call and schedule your free case evaluation.
