If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Florida, it’s essential to know what steps you should take to ensure that you can file your case and recover compensation for damages. The legal claim will depend on the evidence, severity, and injuries sustained in the accident.
You should know some essential things before filing a car accident claim in Florida. These tips will help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Follow the steps below to protect the available evidence and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Step 1: Notify the Police and File a Police Report
You should contact the police before filing a claim for car accident damages. By informing the local police department and filing a “report of damage” (Form SR-208), you give yourself additional time to gather evidence supporting your claim. You can also contact the police when you have been involved in a minor accident, not requiring a police report. This will allow you to accurately describe the accident, time, and location to local law enforcement personnel.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident
You must notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. The sooner you notify your insurer, the more likely it will be able to find witnesses and obtain traffic tickets that can help prove you are not at fault for the crash. Most importantly, contacting your insurance provider will alert them to check for any uninsured/underinsured motorists who may be responsible for paying for your damages.
Step 3: Gather Important Documents
After you have notified your insurance company, you should gather documents that may help prove your entitlement to recover damages. Remember that your insurer or the court may subpoena these records later. Your car accident claim will be stronger if you can show any tickets, photos, and other documents in advance of the trial. Find out which of your documents you may need to submit.
Step 4: Hire a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Most car accident claims are settled after they are filed, so you will probably not see a trial. However, if a court or jury decides your case, it is essential to have an experienced Florida car accident lawyer on your side. A skilled attorney can often negotiate with the insurance company for a better deal than you would likely receive on your own.
Appoint Qualified and practiced Tampa Car Accident Attorneys
If you were damaged in a car accident caused by someone else, you might be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact Tampa car accident attorneys now to schedule a free case evaluation. Our attorneys can answer all of your questions and will provide you with a consultation and review of your case. You need an experienced car accident lawyer in Tampa to help you protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
