Have you experienced a Car Accident in Miami? Each year, more than six million car accidents occur in the United States. Fortuitously, most of them involve only property damage. However, one in three accidents results in injuries to the driver or passengers. More so, out of that number, roughly two out of every ten accidents lead to fatal injuries.
If you are the victim of a car accident in Miami, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and your interests. Below we will share the top ten things you should do:
1. STOP. Never drive away from the accident, even it is just a minor accident (e.g., bump, or scratch.) Additionally, know that you should never move the vehicles involved in the accident (unless they interfere with traffic or can be a hazard to other drivers.)
2. PROTECT THE SCENE. Make sure you avoid another incident by setting up the correct warning signals. If it is dark and your car lights don’t work, you should always keep a flashlight handy.
3. CALL THE AUTHORITIES. Even if there are no apparent injuries, it is always best to call the police or 911. Most insurance companies will require a police report to file a claim.
4. MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. When the police arrive, recount what happens to the best of your ability. Do not speculate or guess, if you are uncertain, you should also let first-responders know.
If you think you might be injured, let the authorities know. Most car crash-related injuries often become apparent hours after the actual incident.
5. TAKE PICTURES. If possible, take pictures of the vehicles and any relevant elements on the scene. If you have visible injuries and are safely able to do so, make sure you photograph them as well.
However, make sure you do not interfere with the on-going police investigation. And if, for any reason, you cannot take pictures at that moment, do it as soon as you are able.
6. EXCHANGE INFORMATION. Usually, the police will gather or the necessary information. Nonetheless, if the police do not respond to the accident, you should always make sure to obtain: the full name, address, and contact number of all persons involved in the accident (not only the drivers.)
More so, you always ask for all insurance information. Please do not rely on what people say, request to see their insurance card.
If there are witnesses, you should also try to get their contact information, so that you or your attorney can contact them if need be.
If the police respond to the car accident in Miami, they will provide all drivers with a report number. Use that police report number to follow up on your report. Know that if the accident took place on a state highway, you must request the report from the state police.
7. REPORT THE ACCIDENT. You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance policies demand immediate reporting and full cooperation.
Also, find out if you have medical benefits or “med pay” as part of your insurance coverage. Know that often, med pay benefits are available to all the occupants of the vehicle.
Even more so, if you have med pay coverage, you are required to submit your accident-related medical bills to your insurance company. Keep in mind that this type of coverage is only for accident-related medical bills.
If med pay benefits are exhausted, private health insurance becomes your primary insurer. Note that your insurance rates should not increase for med pay coverage submissions.
8. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. As we mentioned before, injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are often not instantly apparent. Most people report feeling the most paying days after the incident. Thus, unless you are sure you were not injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Even in minor car accidents, individuals can suffer severe and permanent injuries.
9. CREATE A FILE. Keep all the documents related to the accident in a folder for safekeeping. These include claim number, the claim’s adjuster who is handling the request, contact information of everyone involved in the accident, and any receipts from damages resulting from the accident,
Everything and anything related to the incident might come in handy later.
10. PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. Last but not least, consult your attorney. An attorney will protect your rights and make sure you are adequately compensated.
Note that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Meaning that there is no legal fee unless he/she recovers compensation for your injuries.
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