If you have been involved in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, your mind is probably racing. You may be wondering what to do and how you will pay for all your accident-related expenses.
While this situation can seem scary, staying calm and knowing what to expect can help your stress levels. The team at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers is here to answer all your questions.
Below, we will address some of the most common inquiries we get from car accident victims. If you have other questions not addressed here, contact us online or call us at (850) 604-3844 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
One of the first things you should do after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, go ahead and call 911 so that you can get immediate medical treatment. This will also allow the police to respond to the accident so that they can create a report.
Remember that some injuries might not be apparent right away, especially since your adrenaline will be pumping. The moment you feel any pain or notice that something isn’t right, get checked out by a medical professional. While you are still at the scene, gather as much evidence as you can, such as photos of the scene or the names of witnesses.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Talk to the police and tell them what happened, but do not admit fault. You should also notify your insurance company of the accident and talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to get help with your claim.
Should I Talk to My Insurance Company?
Yes, you can talk to your insurance company after an accident. However, you should avoid talking to or giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. They may contact you soon after an accident to try to get a statement, but they can use what you say against you later.
The other driver’s insurance company will likely be looking for a way to blame you to reduce any payouts. They will have a specific list of questions to ask, and you may hurt your case without realizing it. The best thing to do is to talk to a lawyer and let them handle all conversations with the insurance company.
What if I Am Being Blamed for the Accident?
A common tactic used by the insurance company is to blame the victim. By doing so, the insurance company can minimize the value of your claim, or maybe even avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, you may still be entitled to recover compensation in Florida even if you are being blamed for your accident. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you may typically still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
However, your recovery will usually be reduced by your portion of the fault. Imagine a car accident case in which you are found to have 25% of the fault. In that situation, you could potentially still recover 75% of your damages from the other driver.
Should I Take Photos at the Scene?
Yes, definitely. If you are able to take photos, snap as many as possible. Get pictures of all the vehicles involved, and take some from multiple angles that clearly show any damage. Also, get photos of the scene itself, including any road signs or other details that could provide valuable evidence for your case.
While your lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove your case, some evidence in car accident cases is time-sensitive. Once the scene is cleared, the chance to collect some evidence may be gone. Getting these photos can be very crucial during the claims process.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
This is one of the most common questions that car accident victims have. After all, they want to know if they will be able to recover enough money to pay for all their accident-related expenses. Accident victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. Some common examples include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The severity of your injuries is a major factor in the value of your case. Cases involving more severe injuries will usually be worth more than cases involving only minor injuries.
Some other factors that can affect the value of your claim include:
- The amount of your medical bills
- The value of your lost wages
- Whether you will be able to return to work
- Your expected future medical care needs
- The effect your injuries have had on your relationships
The best way to get an accurate estimate of your case’s value is to consult an experienced lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?
After a car accident, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit for damages. The clock starts to run on the day of your accident, and missing the deadline can cause you to lose all your rights to recover compensation.
Some special situations could change the deadline, so it is always a good idea to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, call Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers today. We can answer all your questions and help you get the compensation you are owed. You do not have to go through this difficult situation alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer and let us help.