After a Crash – Information from Our Experienced Orlando, Florida Auto Accident / Personal Injury Lawyer
According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there is an auto accident in the United States approximately every five seconds. In addition to causing catastrophic personal injuries, car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents can result in overwhelming financial and emotional hardships. Knowing your legal options can help you to avoid problems and ensure that your rights are not infringed upon later. Serving the greater Orlando, Florida area, auto accident and personal injury lawyer Frank M. Eidson has extensive knowledge of Florida state law and the experience necessary to help victims obtain compensation.
If you have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident that was not your fault, contact Orlando personal injury lawyer Frank Eidson. Serving Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, and victims throughout Central Florida, our auto accident lawyer handles all types of claims, including cases involving whiplash, brain injury, and other catastrophic injuries.
What to Do at the Scene of an Accident
While it is difficult to keep a clear head in the aftermath of an auto accident, doing so is the best way to make sure you do everything necessary to protecting your legal rights. The following list outlines the steps you should take when you are in an auto accident, both so your personal injury lawyer can build your case and for your own protection:
- Stop at the scene of the accident: Florida law requires any driver involved in an auto accident to remain at the scene until all responsibilities related to the incident have been discharged. If the police are involved, you should ask their permission before leaving the scene.
- Assist injured drivers and passengers: The first priority at the scene of an auto accident is to care for the injured. Try to get medical attention immediately if needed.
- Preserve the scene of the accident: It is important to preserve the scene of the accident as much as possible. Vehicles should not be moved unless they are obstructing traffic. Before moving any vehicle, carefully note its position. Make a list of witnesses if possible.
- Notify the authorities if appropriate: As our Orlando personal injury and auto accident lawyer will tell you, accidents involving damage in excess of $500 or an injury must be reported to the police immediately. For these accidents, a written report must be submitted to the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within ten days.
- Provide necessary personal information: Each driver must provide his or her name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to all parties involved. Drivers are also required by law to provide the investigating officer with any information needed to determine the cause of the accident. Aside from the information you are required by law to provide, do not volunteer any additional details until talking to an auto accident lawyer.
What to Do after an Accident
What happens at the scene of an auto accident is often only the beginning of a long process. With the complexity of local laws regarding these incidents, especially around Orlando, Florida, a personal injury or auto accident lawyer’s guidance is invaluable during the entire period.
- See a doctor: Injuries from a car accident frequently do not manifest themselves until days after the accident. You should see a doctor to make sure you haven’t sustained injuries. It is crucial to maintain records of any medical care you receive in connection with the incident. If you end up in court, these records could make a large difference in your case.
- See an auto accident lawyer: After an auto accident, there are two reasons you may need a personal injury lawyer. First, you may be presented with a settlement offer by insurance companies or liable parties. Before accepting such a settlement, speak to an experienced auto accident lawyer like Frank Eidson; our clients often find that they are entitled to much more than the initial offer. Second, if you are being sued for damages related to the accident, retaining a lawyer is probably a good idea. Without expert legal counsel, you may pay more than is fair. You may even be held liable when the other party is at fault.
For more information on this area of law, see our Auto Accident FAQ section.
Contact Our Orlando Auto Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
We know that auto accidents can be scary and overwhelming; however, knowing your legal rights are protected can make them more bearable. Orlando, Florida auto accident and personal injury lawyer Frank Eidson can protect your rights and help you obtain fair compensation. We know how do deal with insurance companies and have recovered million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of past clients. We can help you too. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact Frank M. Eidson, P.A.
