What to Do After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach, FL

You can either call 911 or contact the West Palm Beach Police Department directly. Officers will respond and make sure everyone is safe. They will arrange for emergency medical attention for anyone who is seriously injured. The officers will also conduct an initial investigation of the crash and complete a Florida Traffic Crash Report. This is standard paperwork for police officers. But it can be a valuable piece of evidence if you are seeking financial compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. Be sure to note which law enforcement agency responds to the crash and get the name and badge number of the officer you talk to. This can help when you are getting a copy of your accident report.

But don’t talk about the accident. Don’t talk about who caused it – even if the other driver was clearly to blame. Don’t get into an argument or say anything that could be seen as taking the blame (for example, “I’m sorry”). All you want from the driver at the point is some information. You want the driver’s name and contact information, the name of the driver’s insurance company, and the policy number. You can also ask for the driver’s license number. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, too.

Take some pictures of the accident scene to help document what happened. Get shots of the crash itself, both from far away and closer to get photos of the damage to each vehicle. Get photos of the accident scene itself, too. This includes shots of any debris or skid marks in the road, any road construction nearby, and any traffic signals or road signs. You can also take some short videos. Another way to document the accident is to write down your account of what happened. Include everything you remember and write your account as soon as you get some time.

Some injuries have delayed symptoms, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. What seems like minor arm pain could turn out to be a hairline fracture. That’s why it’s in your best interests to get medical attention after a crash. You can go to the emergency room of a local hospital, such as St. Mary’s Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, or Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Or you can go to an urgent care center, or your own doctor. But don’t wait too long.

A doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin treatment. There will also be documentation of the injuries you suffered in the car accident. A lawyer can use these records to prove you were hurt and take legal action to help you recover compensation.

If you don’t notify them about the accident, you could be putting your ability to recover financial compensation at risk. Just stick to the facts – you don’t have to go into detail. You also may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. When dealing with any insurance company, always remember that they are not on your side. If they try to ask you questions or request a statement from you, it’s because they are looking for ways to justify paying you less. Don’t answer questions, give a statement, or agree to a settlement without getting legal advice first.

Contact an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer.

How much compensation can you get for your accident? What if you are found to be partially at fault? Do you have a case? An experienced lawyer can give you answers to these and other questions you have following your crash. As most lawyers offer a free consultation, it costs you nothing to learn your options and get some answers.

It’s best to get advice from a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. The Florida statute of limitations for taking legal action after a car crash can vary, and only an attorney can tell you which deadlines apply. Plus, it only takes months for evidence to be lost or destroyed and for witnesses to forget details. The sooner a lawyer can get started on your case, the better.

Schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer today.