Car Accident Lawyer Sanford

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the consequences can be severe, especially when injuries are involved. If you’ve been in a car accident in Sanford, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. Donaldson & Weston, trusted car accident lawyers, are here to guide you through the claims process and help you recover what you deserve. Our team is experienced in dealing with the complexities of car accident claims in Florida. Contact us at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation, and let us take the stress out of your situation.

Steps to Take Right After a Car Accident in Sanford

Getting into a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re unsure of what to do next. Whether the accident is minor or serious, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can significantly affect the outcome of your case and any potential personal injury claim. Knowing how to respond not only helps protect your legal rights but also ensures your safety and the safety of others involved.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sanford, here are the key actions you should take right after the crash.

Ensure Your Safety First

Your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident should always be your first priority. If possible, check for injuries to yourself, passengers, and others in the other vehicle. If anyone appears seriously injured, call 911 immediately for medical help.

If you’re able to do so safely, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents or injuries. Make sure that the location of the crash is safe, especially if it’s in an area where cars are likely to pass. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.

If the accident occurred in a high-traffic area and it’s unsafe to move the vehicles, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on until emergency services arrive.

Call the Police

In Florida, you’re required to call the police if the accident involves injuries, death, or property damage over a certain threshold (usually over $500). Even in minor accidents, having an official police report can be crucial for your insurance claim and any personal injury claims that may follow.

When the police arrive, give them your statement of the events but avoid admitting fault. Let the officers write their own report based on their findings. This report will be an important document when pursuing a claim.

Document the Scene

Once it’s safe to do so, begin documenting the accident. Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, any visible damage, traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, and any other relevant details. If possible, take pictures of the surrounding area to show the environment where the crash occurred.

Photographs and video footage can serve as essential evidence in proving the cause of the accident and your role in it. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement to the police or your insurance company.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Exchange relevant information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes:

• Full name
• Contact information (phone number, address)
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

It’s essential to avoid discussing the accident or making statements about who may be at fault. Keep the exchange of information factual and avoid apologizing, as this could be seen as an admission of fault. The goal is to ensure that both parties have the necessary information to process insurance claims.

Get Medical Attention, Even If You Don’t Feel Hurt

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal injuries, or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical professional can assess your condition and document any injuries, which will be important if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit later.

If emergency medical services are called to the scene, let them evaluate you. If you don’t receive immediate medical care at the scene, visit your doctor or go to a hospital to get checked out. Delaying medical attention could hurt your case, as it may be harder to prove that the injuries are related to the accident.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

After ensuring that everyone is safe and documenting the accident, contact your insurance company to report the crash. Be truthful about the incident but avoid admitting fault. Provide them with the information you gathered, including the police report and details from the other driver(s).

Some insurance policies may require you to report accidents within a specific time frame, so make sure you inform your insurer promptly. Keep in mind that your insurance premiums may be affected by the claim, but failure to report the accident could result in a denial of coverage.

Avoid Discussing Fault or Settling the Claim Early

When dealing with a car accident, it’s crucial to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as such. Even if you believe the accident was partially your fault, it’s important to allow insurance companies and lawyers to evaluate the evidence before determining liability.

Additionally, avoid settling the claim too quickly. You may feel pressured to accept a quick settlement from the other driver’s insurance company, but this can be detrimental if you later discover hidden injuries or damages that weren’t immediately apparent. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer before making any decisions about settlement.

Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve suffered injuries or significant property damage due to a car accident in Sanford, it’s wise to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. They can also help you understand your rights, ensure that your claim is filed within the time limit, and represent you in court if necessary.

At Donaldson & Weston, we offer free consultations for accident victims. If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Sanford, contact us today at 866-382-1494. Our team of skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Follow Up with Medical Treatment

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all medical appointments. Consistent treatment will not only help you recover from your injuries, but it will also strengthen your claim for compensation. The medical records will provide essential documentation for your case, showing that the injuries you sustained were directly caused by the accident.

Keep Track of Expenses

As you recover from the accident, keep a record of any expenses related to your injuries. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, lost wages, and any other costs incurred as a result of the accident. This information will be crucial when determining the amount of compensation you should pursue through your claim.

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring a successful claim. From ensuring your safety to seeking medical care and documenting the accident, each action plays a key role in the outcome of your case. 

Sanford Car Accident Attorney

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident in Sanford, having an experienced car accident attorney by your side can make all the difference. Donaldson & Weston understands the challenges that accident victims face and is here to provide the legal support you need. We’ll work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t face this process alone—contact us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your claim.