Prevent Extra Injuries After A Car Accident

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent further injury or damage.

Timely action is essential after an auto accident to prevent further harm from occurring; therefore it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible for advice about protecting yourself financially and obtaining justice for any wrongs done to you or your vehicle.

Our attorneys share what next steps to take following a car crash. Remember:

The first step after an accident is to pull over to a safe spot and then check for any injuries.
After everyone is safe, take pictures with your phone of all cars involved in the crash as well as any other damaged property.
You have 14 days to seek medical care with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits
Your fight is our fight. Contact our experienced accident lawyers whenever you need help.

Don’t Panic. Here’s What to Do to Protect Yourself After an Accident

When you’re involved in an auto accident, you should know how to protect yourself from further injury or damage. Taking the proper steps after a crash can help minimize long-term issues and may even save your life.

Follow these steps:

#1. Pull Over to a Safe Spot

The first step is to always make sure you and any passengers are safe. Move away from the scene of the accident so you are out of traffic and check for any injuries. If serious medical attention is needed, call 911 right away. Do not move injured people unless absolutely necessary as doing so may cause more harm than good.

After everyone is safe, take pictures with your phone of all cars involved in the crash as well as any other damaged property nearby like signs or guardrails. Take down names and contact information from witnesses who saw what happened if possible.

#2. Call Your Insurance Company

You should report the car accident promptly to your insurance company as some companies have time requirements that could affect whether or not you are covered for any claims.

If they ask you to give a statement or describe the accident or your injuries, remember the saying “What you say can and will be used against you.”

We recommend consulting with a lawyer before making any kind of statement regarding the accident, especially if you are seeking to submit a personal injury claim. If you make a statement to your insurance company, it could (and often will) be used against you in court.

Remember, you should wait to sign a release or settle with an insurance company until you have been fully evaluated by a medical professional and sought legal counsel from a personal injury attorney.

When you sign a release, you waive your legal right to pursue compensation for the accident.

If you sign a release or accept a settlement from the insurance company and an injury shows up later, you cannot go back and ask the insurance company to pay for your medical treatment. Don’t wait, call the law offices of Mickey Keenan, P.A. today.

#3. Seek Medical Attention

After you take photos and write down what you remember about the accident, you must seek medical attention; even if you don’t think you were injured.

In Florida, you have 14 days to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.

If you don’t seek medical care within this timeframe, you forfeit your PIP benefits. This means that if injuries manifest later, you may not be able to claim them in a settlement. It can be hard to prove that your injuries were sustained during an accident weeks after the fact, making it hard to get the settlement you deserve after an accident.

This is why we can’t state it enough; always seek medical care immediately after an accident.

#4. Call a Personal Injury Attorney

Experienced personal injury lawyers like our team at Mickey Keenan P.A. can assist with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses associated with an auto accident. They will also ensure that your claim is handled properly and that your interests are protected.

Additionally, a qualified personal injury lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so that you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.

What If Accident Injuries Don’t Show Up Right Away?

Most car accidents, even seemingly minor ones, are traumatic events. After all, there is a lot of force involved when a car hits or is hit by something.

Even ‘minor’ accidents can lead to significant injuries, but these injuries might not show up right away and can cause chronic pain if not treated properly.
The most common types of accident injuries that show up later are concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries.
It is imperative to treat and monitor potential injuries for the sake of your health and the ability to receive compensation for your injuries.

This is why we say that it is so important to see a doctor after a car accident since they are in the best position to determine if you sustained any serious injuries in the accident. They can also give you advice on monitoring symptoms of potential injuries, including what to look out for.

Please heed this advice; getting stuck with chronic back pain or another issue because you didn’t seek medical treatment after your accident is not something you want to live with.

Learn More > When Should I Call a Lawyer After an Accident?

Get Help After a Car Accident

From medical bills to absences from work, even minor accidents can cause lasting issues. Don’t wait, a personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and help protect your legal rights after a car accident.

If you have been injured, contact our Tampa, FL area personal injury attorneys at Mickey Keenan P.A. as soon as possible. Your Fight is Our Fight. Call us at 813-871-1300 for a free consultation.