Help from a Boynton Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a Boynton Beach car accident can be a difficult experience for most people. Whether a collision is relatively minor or very serious, it can cause the victims to experience trauma. In the immediate moments following a collision, most people are confused and might not know how to handle the situation. The steps that you take after being involved in a wreck are important and can potentially affect your ability to recover damages for your losses. Consulting with a Boynton Beach personal injury lawyer at Boynton Law after a collision might help you to understand your rights and the legal options that might be available to you. Here are some steps you should take following a crash to protect yourself and your potential claim.

1. Remain At The Scene And Call 911

Whenever you are involved in a collision, you must remain at the accident scene. Even if no one was injured, you are still required to remain at the scene to exchange information with the other motorist under § 316.061, Fla. Stat. (2021). Under § 316.027, Fla. Stat. (2021), you are also required to remain at the scene until help arrives in a collision involving injuries or death. If you leave the scene of an accident, you can face criminal charges.

2. Exchange Information With All Of The Involved Motorists

You are also required to exchange information with every involved driver and provide your name, address, telephone number, and insurance information. You also should get those types of information from each involved driver and make sure to write down the make, model, and license plate number of each car. Ask the driver to show you his or her driver’s license, and ask for the names and contact information of the vehicle’s owner if the driver does not own the car.

3. Call The Police

You should always call the police to report an accident. You might need to have a police report to file a claim with your insurance company. If anyone was injured or killed, you should dial 911 and request emergency responders to come to the scene. Make sure to tell the officer detailed information about what happened, but do not admit fault. Even if you think that you might have been at fault, something might have happened to cause the accident that you are unaware of. Simply tell the officer what happened in the moments leading up to the crash, and make sure to get a copy of the report from the police station later.

4. Document The Accident Scene, And Get Witness Information

Following a crash, you should take pictures and video of the scene and the damage to each involved vehicle. Take as many pictures as possible of the cars and the broader scene, including relevant details such as the weather, road conditions, nearby speed limit signs, tire skid marks, and traffic control devices. Photograph any injuries you have suffered. If anyone witnessed what happened, ask for his or her name, address, email address, and phone number. Finally, write down everything you remember as soon as possible after your accident.

5. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

You might not initially think that you have been injured. The adrenaline released after an accident can sometimes mask symptoms for hours or days. Even if you do not believe you have been injured, you should go to your doctor for a medical examination after an accident. If you or a loved one was seriously injured, go directly from the scene to the emergency department. Make sure to follow all of the treatment recommendations you receive.

6. Report Your Accident To Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company to report your accident. You should also make sure that you understand your coverage and the types of paperwork that you will need to submit when you file a claim.

7. Gather All Relevant Documents

Start a file for all of the documents related to your crash and your medical treatment. Get and keep copies of the police report, your medical and lab reports, wage statements to show lost earnings, and communications from the insurance company. Keep the photographs and video you took in the file, and bring everything with you to your attorney’s office at Boynton Law.

8. Contact Our Boynton Beach Car Accident Lawyer At Boynton Law

After you have sought and received medical treatment, the next thing you should do is to contact Boynton Law for a consultation. Our highly experienced team of personal injury lawyers has successfully represented many people who have sustained serious injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of others. Contact us today at (561) 296-6866 for a free consultation.