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Things to Do After a Florida Fender Bender

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A lot of Americans rely on their cars. After all, vehicles are used every day to go shopping, visit loved ones, and commute to work. With all of those hours on the road, it makes sense that minor accidents, sometimes referred to as fender benders, happen every day.

Of course, nobody wants to be in an accident at all. And if an accident does occur, we’d all rather be involved in a minor collision then a major one. But that does not mean it is impossible to be hurt in a fender bender. Minor accidents create injury and stress, too. After a crash, talk to a Florida personal injury lawyer about your compensation options.

Move to a Safe Location

Following an accident, move to a safe place. When possible, pull off to the shoulder. After all, you want to be clear of moving traffic to avoid more impacts from occurring. Once your vehicle is in a safe spot, completely stop your car and turn on the hazard lights. The hazards are a way to alert others that you will be stationary for a period of time.

Also, you will want to call the authorities. Even if the accident was minor, a police officer is a neutral third party. Request a copy of the police report and note the officers name and badge number should any questions arise later. The police report itself could help your insurance claim.

Exchange information with others who were involved in the event. Some of the information to gather include the following:

  • Names and contact information for other people involved in the accident.
  • The insurance company and policy numbers.
  • Vehicular information, including license plate numbers, and the make and model of the cars.
  • Eyewitness accounts and contact information.
  • Driver’s license numbers and expiration dates.

Document any details that you feel contributed to the event as well. For example, you could put a note in your phone of any inclement weather conditions that contributed to the accident or if another driver was behaving erratically. Photos and videos are also great documentation tools. Capture images of the vehicles involved from multiple angles.

Attorneys Can Help with Damage Assessments

After a fender bender, you need a lawyer to help assess damages and determine fault. Then, negotiations with insurance companies and claims can move forward.

There can be damages that are not immediately evident. For example, a vehicle may look fine but then sound strange or leak fluids. Or a person may feel okay at first but a couple days later find themselves suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Delayed onset injuries could be eligible for compensation alongside property damage.

Have you discovered you were injured days or weeks after a Florida fender bender? Collisions can be extremely upsetting and can result in costly medical care. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. The attorneys at Roman & Roman have over 100 years of combined experience. We serve clients in Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa.

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