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What to Do After a Car Accident

Unfortunately for South Florida drivers, almost everyone will be involved in a car accident at some point in their lives. Accidents can be stressful, even if it is a minor bump in the parking lot, and dealing with the after effects of accidents can be even worse. Edmunds.com as well as various other car information websites have great resources and articles about what to do in the case of a car accident, and what to have in your car to be ready for such an eventuality. Here are some of their helpful hints and checklists to make accidents easier to deal with, especially in the case of litigation or injury. Be sure to check out the entire article here.

Edmunds suggests 6 steps to being better prepared for car accidents and the after effects. First, keep an emergency kit in the car. A small first aid kit, some pad and paper, reflective cones, and some type of camera are all an important first step in documenting the accident while remaining safe on the road after the accident. Second, moving the vehicles that can be moved off the road is extremely important. If there has been no serious injuries or no cars totaled, moving the cars can help keep the drivers safe until the police arrive or all information has been reported. Third, exchange information with the others involved in the accident. A common mistake made by drivers at this point, either in conversations with other drivers or emergency workers, is to admit fault, even in passing. At any point, do not admit to another person that the accident was your fault. Even if it is, this can complicate litigation and create major problems with insurance companies.

Fourth, use your camera, either your phone or one that you keep in the car, to document the accident. Take photos of the accident location, cars, and any injuries. Photographic documentation can help dispute other drivers’ accounts of events, and demonstrate that injuries and damage actually happened in the accident. Fifth, file an accident report with the police. This step is very important, especially for insurance companies. Insurance companies often require accident reports to move the claim forward. Lastly, you should always know what your insurance policy is covering. Waiting til the last minute to know that your insurance doesn’t cover towing or rental cars can add last minute stress, and extra costs to an already expensive experience.

These 6 small steps are essential to make an accident easier to deal with, and can help make the legal complications that follow an accident simpler and more likely to be in your favor. If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, and need help sorting out the legal side of your insurance claims and medical bills, call the Friedland | Carmona. The attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona have extensive experience in automobile accident cases, and can get you the money you deserve to pay your bills and compensate your injuries.


The South Florida automobile accident attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of negligence and personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls,negligent and reckless drivers, and automobile accidents. Call the Miami personal injury attorneys today and let our family take care of your family!

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