If you have been in a traffic collision in any community in Miami-Dade County, it’s important to keep in mind that you have rights. If you have been in a collision, the first thing to do is to remain calm and to evaluate the situation. Is the accident serious? Could there be a fuel leak? Is anyone seriously injured and in need of help? If the accident is serious, you’ll want to contact emergency services immediately and follow their instruction to try to avoid further injury. Avoid moving anyone unless instructed to do so, since you may cause further injury.
If the accident was minor, you will want to pull over your car to get out of the way. In these cases, it may be safer to pull over and allow traffic to pass. You will want to exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver. However, avoid discussing the accident or talking about what may have caused it. It is too early to tell what caused the accident and you don’t want to make a statement which can later affect your claim.
In the event of a hit-and-run, take down as many details as you remember and report the incident to police. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in Miami, but they are also illegal. Police can help you file a claim and your insurance company may be able to compensate you if you have coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Injuries After Your Collision
Even if your injuries appear minor or you don’t seem to be injured, do get medical attention after the crash. If you think you may have hit your head, for example, you may wish to get a medical evaluation in the emergency room, even if you have no symptoms. Sometimes, even fatal concussions can fail to produce symptoms at first but can still be life-threatening. Similarly, soft tissue injuries or even trauma can take some time to manifest. Getting medical help promptly helps to document which of your injuries were caused by a collision and also lets you get appropriate, timely treatment.
Remember to keep documentation of your symptoms and any treatment or any expenses you have after your collision. You can use this documentation for your claim. Also avoid posting about the collision on social media or discussing it; this can affect your claim.
Talking to a Car Collision Attorney
If you have suffered losses, medical expenses, and other damages, you will want to file a claim with your insurance company. Before you do so, it can be useful to contact a personal injury attorney to find out how much your case may be worth. Without speaking to a qualified attorney, it may be difficult for you to evaluate any claim offered by your car insurance. An attorney may be able to represent you and your interests, and make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a car collision and wish to speak to an attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation. Your no-obligation and no-cost consultation can help you make the right decision about your potential claim.