What To Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident

Call the police, make sure you and the other passengers in your vehicle are OK, check to see if the people in the other car are OK, and then:.

1. Take photos of the accident scene if possible, as well as your injuries and the damage to both vehicles. If you have bruising that shows up later, or if a doctor tells you to wear or use a medical device or a cast, have someone take more photos.
2. Call an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible. At Wells Law Group, P.A., in Tampa, Florida, your case will be handled by a highly experienced attorney who only has your best interests in mind.
3. Get a copy of your insurance policy.
4. Do not talk with the other driver’s insurance company representatives, adjusters, or investigators.
5. Keep all the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills, travel, and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.
6. Document any time you have been absent from work or go to the doctor.
7. Whenever you travel for something related to the accident or your injuries, record your mileage.
8. Keep a diary, daily if possible, to assist you in later remembering your pain, hardship, limitations, and things you missed out on, were limited in doing, or did while experiencing pain because of your injuries. If you start your diary late, try to write down everything you can recall. This will be important later in your case.
9. Document everything. Keep copies of any document given to you by your insurer or the other driver’s insurer. This includes all correspondence you receive, as well as copies of anything you send your own insurer or any other person or entity regarding the loss.
10. Take notes of every telephone conference or personal meeting with an insurance adjuster, agent, investigator, or anyone asking you questions regarding your loss and try to confirm the conversation in writing with a letter to the insurer. This includes each time you call and cannot reach the person you are calling and have to leave a voicemail or a message with someone else. This is VERY important.
11. Be truthful with your insurer, and if you begin dealing with the other driver’s insurer, be truthful with it as well. NEVER misrepresent anything to any insurance company. An attempt to defraud an insurance company can lead to severe criminal penalties.
12. Never accept any check from an insurer that states it is “full payment,” “final payment,” or any similar language. Also do not accept it if it releases the insurer or anyone else, or even says the word release without seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you are still wondering what to do after a car accident, contact Wells Law Group, P.A. We have considerable experience negotiating with and litigating against insurance companies that delay, make lowball offers or act in bad faith after a tragedy.

To schedule an appointment at our law office, call 813-413-7377 or send us an email. You will work with our managing partner and an experienced paralegal every step of the way.