Take These 5 Steps After a Car Accident in Boca Raton
For most of us, driving is the most dangerous activity we do all day. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t give this activity the attention it deserves. It’s possible that we are all guilty of multi-tasking while driving. We fiddle with the radio, talk on our Bluetooth, and worst of all, text while driving. At the Law Offices of Bernstein| Polsky, we have witnessed the aftermath of reckless and aggressive driving. Our personal injury lawyers in Boca Raton have defended countless individuals who were involved in a car accident.
Residents of Palm Beach County know that driving here can be especially dangerous because of highly congested roads. More drivers on the road equal more accidents. If you find yourself in a car accident in Boca Raton, it’s important to stay calm and follow these important instructions.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Your priority should be that of your safety and the safety of your passengers. So, after an accident, the first thing to do is check if you or anyone in the vehicle was injured. If someone was injured, call 911 immediately. Unless you are in an unsafe location, like the middle of an interstate, do not move until emergency personnel has arrived. If no one was injured, turn on your hazard lights and try to move your vehicle to a safe location. Regardless of injuries, it is advised to call 911. This way, you will have an official report of the accident for your insurance company. The information may also be useful to the accident lawyer in Boca Raton.
Step 2: Exchange Information
In most states, you are only required to exchange names and insurance info. Nevertheless, when involved in a car accident, you should attempt to gather additional information. If possible, get the following from the other driver involved in the accident:
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Make and model of their vehicle
Additionally, you should take note of the accident location and if there were eyewitnesses present, ask for their name and contact information. When the police arrive, it is also advised that you get their name, and badge number, and ask them where you can receive a copy of the accident report. This may be necessary, depending on if your insurance provider asks for it.
Keep your conversation with the other driver to a minimum. If the accident was your fault, don’t admit fault or apologize, as apologies are an admission of guilt and can be used against you. If the other driver was responsible for the accident, avoid losing your temper and placing blame. It is very important to keep calm throughout the entire situation.
Step 3: Take Pictures
If you can, take pictures of the accident: any damages done to your car and the other’s driver vehicle. You will need this information to provide to your insurance provider to support your claim, and for your personal injury lawyers in Boca Raton. Pictures will help prove which driver was at fault.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies have a timeframe for policyholders to submit a claim, so contact your provider immediately. If you receive a call from the insurance adjuster of the other driver, you are not at liberty to speak to them. In fact, it is within your best interest to hire an attorney first. Your personal injury lawyers in Boca Raton will handle the insurance adjuster from there. If you sustained injuries in the accident, don’t move forward with the insurance claims process until you have all the necessary medical information regarding your injury.
Step 5: Contact the Law Offices of Bernstein| Polsky
After calling your insurance company, the next call you should make is to personal injury lawyers in Boca Raton. If you don’t have guidance from an attorney, you may inadvertently say something that can be used against you during your litigation. The Law Office of Bernstein| Polsky is committed to fighting for justice on your behalf in a personal injury case. Our areas of expertise include:
- Car Accidents
- Hit and Run
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Taxicab Accidents
- Trucking Accidents
- UM / Underinsured Motorist Claims
Let us fight for the maximum compensation for your injury or loss. Call us at 954-997-9947 for a consultation.
