What to do if You are in a Car Accident

Have you or a family member been involved in a car accident? Having even a minor fender-bender is emotional and stressful with potential injuries and financial consequences.

At the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. we urge you to keep calm and take the following steps:

Get help. Call 911 as soon as possible, especially if there are injuries or if there is vehicle or other property damage. Don't ever leave the scene of an accident and be sure to follow all emergency personnel instructions.

Assess injuries. If you or a passenger is injured, remain in the car - as long as it is safe to do so - and avoid moving, especially your head and neck. Even if you feel okay, get medical treatment as soon as possible because symptoms of a medical problem can be delayed.

Obtain information. Record all information from any other driver involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate information, drivers' license numbers and insurance information. Get passenger and witness names and contact information. Ask police officers for their names and badge numbers. Take photos of the scene, the damage to your car and any others involved as well as any other property damage.

Keep quiet. Don't discuss the accident at the scene and especially don't apologize for anything you did wrong like running a red light. This could create a legal liability situation.

Call your insurance company. Get your insurance company on the phone as soon as possible to report the accident and your injuries. Be sure to get a copy of the police accident report too.

Keep records. Track all medical care including treatments, medications and tests and any other expenses or actions that are related to the accident. Get copies of all bills and medical reports. Record missed work.

Work with insurance companies. Get the damage valuation from your insurance company. If you are not satisfied, obtain 2 independent repair/replacement estimates and let your adjuster know. Never discuss the accident with the other insurance company, their adjuster or an opposing attorney.

Most importantly, if you were injured in the accident, consult with an attorney experienced in personal injury law to maximize your compensation. Never accept an insurance company settlement before discussing with an attorney of your own.

We have the right experience with victims of auto accidents to get you the compensation you deserve. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to get you and your family the best possible outcome for your case. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.