Sarasota Fender Benders and Other Minor Accidents
If you have been involved in a minor accident, you might not think a lawyer needs to be involved. But even small collisions, sometimes referred to as fender benders, can result in injuries and large expenses. Before dismissing your accident as a simple inconvenience, make your health and your personal property a priority and discuss the accident with a Sarasota personal injury attorney for free.
Safety Is the First Priority
When cars collide, the safety of all drivers involved is the first priority. Call 9-1-1 and listen to their instructions. Provided it is possible to so without injury, move your car off the road to avoid more accidents. You do not want to be in the flow of traffic when your car is stopped. Move to somewhere safe and use your hazard lights to indicate there is an issue.
Even if you do not notice physical injury to yourself and others in the car, seek a professional opinion once it is possible. Assess your health with a doctor to be sure there were no injuries that were not recognized following the collision.
Details Need to Be Documented
When something stressful occurs, such as a car accident, people often believe there is no way they could possibly forget the details of that day. But in reality, people do. Protect yourself and write down the details of what happened so you have the needed information when you talk to your lawyer.
The type of details you should collect include the following:
- Street name and where the cars were on the street.
- Month, day, and time the accident occurred.
- What the weather was, from an ideal sunny day to a day of gusts and rain.
- Any other factors that could have contributed to the accident.
- Take photos and videos, including location and damage to vehicles.
Details you will want to document from other drivers involved in an accident:
- The name of other drivers who were impacted.
- Insurance company information, including contact phone numbers.
- Make, model, and year of each car, motorcycle, or truck.
- The license plate numbers of the cars involved in the collision.
Do Not Discuss Damage Settlement Amounts
Even if you see damage immediately, do not assess the situation on your own. There may be damage beyond what you see. Fender benders can create large, extensive repairs. A scratch or dent may not be all there is to the story. Take your car to a qualified mechanic you trust and have the damage inspected and an estimate given. Even if the insurance company is willing to do it, it is better to get more opinion than one.
Since you do not know what damage exists beyond what you see, whether with your motor vehicle or your body, it is essential to avoid discussing fault or settlement amounts with other drivers or insurance companies right away. Other drivers and insurance companies may try to negotiate settlement amounts and who is at fault quickly so you obtain less compensation than you deserve. A Sarasota personal injury attorney can help you protect your own interests.
Tell The Insurance Companies You’re Going To Hale
Whether or not Florida fender benders result in minor repairs or big bills, the experienced Sarasota car accident attorneys at Hale Law can help you to maximize your compensation still. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or costs if we are unable to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call at 941-735-4529.
https://halelaw.com/personal-injury-protection-does-not-apply-to-sarasota-motorcycle-riders/
