Know What To Do If A Car Accident In Naples Happens
Car accidents in Naples can happen to even the safest, most experienced drivers. However, as most people are only ever involved in a crash once or twice in their lives, it is common for victims to be unfamiliar with what to do in the aftermath.
Unfortunately, not taking certain steps to protect yourself and your rights in a claim could leave you paying out-of-pocket for property damages, medical costs, and other expenses involved. To prevent this from happening, our Naples car accident lawyer recommends familiarizing yourself with the following steps.
Protecting Yourself When A Naples Car Accident Happens
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 5,000 car accidents in Naples happen each year. They are one of the leading causes of death and disability and even a minor crash could result in serious personal injuries. What you do in the immediate aftermath impacts your rights in filing a claim. To protect yourself and ensure a complete recovery, follow these tips:
- Report any type of car accident to the police immediately.
Notify the police immediately when any type of car accident occurs. Even if it is a minor fender bender, you want to be sure an accident report is filed. While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, get a description of the driver, their vehicle, and their license plate number, if possible. This protects you just in case they decide to leave the scene.
- Get names and contact information for everyone involved.
Once the police arrive, be sure and get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license and vehicle registration numbers, and insurance information for all motorists involved. Get the names and contact information for others at the scene as well, who may have witnessed what happened and could help testify in future claims.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible.
Regardless of the severity of your accident and any injury symptoms, seek medical care right away. Serious and potentially disabling medical conditions often have symptoms that can take days or even weeks to occur. Get the names of your providers, keep copies of all medical records, and follow any instructions given. This includes attending follow-up visits and adhering to work or activity restrictions.
- Report the accident to your insurer.
Under the Florida Statutes, all motorists are required to have a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. Report your accident immediately to your insurer, who will work with the at-fault driver’s provider to determine a settlement. However, before accepting any amount or signing any documents, contact our Naples car accident lawyer first.
- Contact our Naples car accident lawyer.
To get the maximum amount you need to recover from car accident injuries in Naples, reach out to Cardinal Law, P.A. We negotiate with insurers on your behalf and can take your case to court if needed. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Naples car accident lawyer today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0324/Sections/0324.021.html
