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Being in a car accident often feels overwhelming. In just an instant, you may find yourself dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, and confusion about what actions to take next. The best time to learn what to do is BEFORE the crash happens.
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Pinellas Park could make a significant difference in protecting your health, rights, and ability to pursue compensation or an injury case. An experienced auto wreck attorney from our team at Herman & Wells could provide guidance tailored to your situation.
The first step in dealing with an auto accident in Pinellas Park is to collect as much information as possible, provided it is safe to do so. This includes:
Early gathering of evidence could help strengthen your case. If you were unable to collect this information due to your injuries, a lawyer could try to obtain it for you, but it is much harder if at all possible after the fact.
If you have been involved in a car crash in Pinellas County, you may be wondering who to contact. State law requires you to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Local law enforcement will often document the scene and create a police report, which serves as an official account of the collision. While much of that report is often inadmissible, it often still becomes a key piece of determining liability and supporting your injury case.
Your health should always come first after you leave the scene. Even if you feel minor symptoms, some injuries–such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma–may not be immediately obvious. Often mild burning or headaches are the initial pain felt even though there are lif-altering herniated disks. If you were in a car wreck in Pinellas Park, having some symptoms, and are wondering what to do next, seek medical treatment right away. This ensures that any hidden injuries are addressed without delay and also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident. This documentation may be vital in any future injury case.
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance coverage typically covers a portion of the initial medical expenses and sometimes even some lost wages. Promptly reporting the car accident to your insurer is essential, but you should be careful to provide only the necessary information. Avoid making statements that the insurer could use to minimize your claim later.
Insurance companies often reach out quickly after an accident, with the goal of limiting payouts. This means they may ask leading questions or encourage you to accept a quick settlement. Before giving recorded statements or signing any documents, consider consulting one of our Pinellas County lawyers for guidance on how to deal with an insurance claim following your car accident. We could review your case and negotiate on your behalf.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, in many instances, an individual must file a personal injury case within two years of the date of the accident with some exceptions such as underinsured motorist insurance claims. Waiting too long can also make it more difficult to gather evidence and secure fair compensation. Thankfully, knowing what to do after a Pinellas Park vehicle collision could help avoid this issue.
Car accidents are already extremely stressful—you may be dealing with medical treatment, missed work, and stress about how to cover expenses. Having an advocate on your side could ease this burden. We could investigate the wreck, handle communication with insurers, and build a convincing case to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If you are uncertain about what to do after a car accident in Pinellas Park, remember that you do not have to face the process alone. Legal guidance might help you make informed choices and protect your right to compensation.
One of our experienced lawyers at Herman & Wells could support you from the very beginning, making sure your recovery—both physical and financial—is the priority. Contact us today for a free consultation.
