Auto Accident? What to Do First and Next
CAPE CORAL, FORT MYERS, LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
If you are injured in an auto accident in Florida because of someone else’s negligence, you probably know you may be able to sue for damages. But did you know that contacting your insurance company immediately may not be the best thing to do first?
The truth is that attempting to deal with your insurance company before you speak to a qualified auto accident attorney may accidentally compromise your rights to due compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, disability and more. When an auto accident in Florida happens to you, regardless of who may be at fault, Florida auto accident attorneys Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. understand Florida personal injury law and will work with you to pursue your rights.
Most people involved in auto accidents are stunned and cannot think clearly. Being prepared can ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.
Tips to Successfully Manage an Auto Accident
- Stay calm
- Determine if anyone is injured. If so, call 911 immediately
- File a report with the police, even for minor accidents
- Talk only to the police at the scene
- Gather names, addresses, and phone numbers of others involved. Write down a description of all involved vehicles, license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers
- Exchange insurance information with other drivers
- Contact a qualified auto accident attorney
- Report the accident to your insurance company
Staged Accidents
Some accidents are really no one’s fault but are staged by criminals hoping to profit from insurance company payments. Unfortunately, innocent people sometimes pay for staged accidents with their lives, not to mention skyrocketing premiums.
Tips to Avoid Staged Accidents
- Always remain aware when you are driving. Make periodic mental notes about the cars and pedestrians around you
- Be especially aware of vehicles that seem to be following you, or riding too closely behind you or in front of you
- Drive reasonably and leave plenty of time to reach your destination
- Don’t allow other drivers to “wave” you into traffic, as this may be a setup to cause an accident
- Keep a disposable camera in your car to record damage to your vehicle or others if an accident occurs
Florida auto accident attorneys Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. have represented thousands of injured persons with dedication and commitment to achieving maximum results. We promptly seek recovery of all legal damages regardless of who is at fault, protecting your legal rights before important physical evidence is lost and witnesses leave the area. Please contact Lusk, Drasites, Tolisano & Smith, P.A. in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Florida today to schedule your free auto accident injury consultation.
