In the minutes after a commercial truck accident, you may be in shock and start panicking. However, it is crucial that you do everything you can to remain calm. The immediate steps to take after a truck accident in Florida can help you maintain your composure, get the help you need, and allow you to begin building your case against the liable party from the start.
Although you may be inclined to let bystanders call for help and wait for emergency responders to arrive. However, there are specific steps you can take to help you build your case against the liable party in the immediate aftermath of your car accident in Florida. These include:
Even if the accident is “minor”, contacting emergency responders for help should be the very first thing you do after the accident. Do not wait and assume that someone else has already called. You want to get the police and an ambulance to the accident scene as soon as possible. The police report can be used as valuable evidence to prove liability and provide additional Information as to how the collision occurred.
Next, collect as much evidence as you can. Try to talk with witnesses and get their names, contact information, and a quick statement using your voice memo app on your smartphone, if possible. You could also take photos of the property damage at the scene, save your vehicle’s dash cam footage, and make a note of any homes or businesses nearby that appear to have cameras. They may have caught the collision on video which could later be used at trial if necessary.
Once the ambulance arrives, get medical attention. You do not want to risk suffering worsening injuries because you did not get medical help when you needed it most. Your medical records will likely be called on as evidence to support the severity of your injuries. If you wait to get medical treatment, the liable party may accuse you of sharing liability for the severity of your condition, which could have an impact on your settlement per Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws under Florida Statute 768.81.
As soon as you have an opportunity to do so, call a car accident lawyer for help. While you recuperate, your personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance and personal injury claims processes on your behalf. Truck accident law firms should work for you on contingency per Florida Statute 11.047, so you will pay nothing out of your own pocket unless we win your case.
These are just a few of the steps that should be taken immediately after a truck accident. Once you have a legal representative fighting for your rights, there will be additional steps to take if you hope to get the most out of your claim. This might include seeking a copy of your crash report, discussing your damages at length, negotiating with the insurance company, reporting your accident to your employer, and presenting your case against the liable party at trial. But it all starts with these first few immediate steps to take after a truck accident in Florida. If you’re in need of legal help, a Sarasota truck accident lawyer or a Bradenton truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
