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Important Steps to Take After a Serious Car Accident

Each year, an average of over 400,000 car accidents occur in Florida, with many of these resulting in injuries and/or severe vehicle damage. For the victims involved in serious accidents, the effects can be profound and long-lasting, ranging from physical pain to emotional distress to lost income. After the trauma of an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do as you try to heal and navigate any resulting legal and financial challenges.

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Here are a few of the most important steps to take after a serious car accident:

Call 911 if you are able. Regardless of how you feel immediately after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible since some severe injuries—including traumatic brain injuries—may not be apparent right away. This step is particularly important in Florida, where state law requires anyone who owns a car to carry at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. While PIP insurance is intended to cover a portion of medical expenses and other costs resulting from a car accident, you may lose your right to coverage if you do not seek medical care within 14 days. Another benefit of calling 911 (or having someone else do so on your behalf) is that the police will arrive and take a report, which will serve as important documentation when dealing with insurance companies and potential lawsuits.
Make notes of anything you remember about the accident. As soon as you’ve received medical care and your condition has stabilized, make notes documenting anything you can remember about the accident, such as the road and traffic conditions, what you were doing in the moments before it occurred, and anything you may have noticed about the other vehicles involved. In addition, take photos or videos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Keep records. Start a file in which you keep any documentation pertaining to the accident, such as medical bills and records, a copy of the police report, communication with your insurance company, and correspondence with your employer documenting time you’ve had to take off work and lost wages.
Contact a personal injury attorney. Even if you were partially at fault in the accident, you may still be able to recover damages for medical expenses, vehicle repair, pain and suffering, or lost wages. Working with a personal injury attorney is the key to maximizing the damages you’re able to recover and protecting your rights when dealing with insurance companies and the other parties involved.

At Leighton Panoff Law, we have extensive experience representing victims of serious car, truck, and other vehicle accidents. With a long history of securing some of Florida’s highest personal injury verdicts, we will guide you through each step of your case while aggressively advocating on your behalf. Call us at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation!

What should I do immediately after a serious car accident in Florida?

If you’ve been in a serious car accident in Florida, the most crucial step is to call 911 for medical help and to ensure a police report is filed. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries may not present immediately. Florida law requires you to seek medical attention within 14 days to qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, so prompt care is essential for both your health and any potential claim.

Why is it important to document the scene and details of the accident?

Documenting the accident is essential to support any future claims. Once your condition is stable, make detailed notes about the road conditions, weather, traffic, and what led up to the crash. Take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. These details can be vital in personal injury cases, especially when insurance companies or opposing parties question liability.

What records should I keep after a car accident?

Create a file to store all documentation related to the accident. This should include medical records and bills, the police report, communication with insurance companies, and any notes or receipts related to vehicle repair. Also, keep documentation from your employer regarding any missed work and lost wages. These records help your attorney build a comprehensive claim for compensation.

Do I still have a case if I was partially at fault in the accident?

Yes, even if you were partially at fault in a car accident, you may still be entitled to recover damages under Florida’s comparative negligence law. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault, but you can still recover for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and advocate for a fair settlement.

What is Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and how does it affect my case?

Florida law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP insurance, which covers a portion of medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault. However, to access PIP benefits, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident. PIP is typically only the first layer of compensation. If your injuries are severe, you may also pursue a personal injury claim for additional damages.

Why should I contact a personal injury attorney after a car accident?

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential after a serious car accident. An attorney will protect your rights, handle communication with insurance companies, and help gather and present evidence to support your claim. At Leighton Panoff Law, we specialize in helping victims of vehicle accidents recover damages and navigate the complex legal process with confidence.

What makes Leighton Panoff Law a top choice for car accident representation in Florida?

Leighton Panoff Law is widely recognized for its success in representing victims of serious car, truck, and other vehicle accidents. With a history of securing some of Florida’s highest personal injury verdicts, the firm offers compassionate guidance and aggressive representation. Whether dealing with insurance companies or going to court, Leighton Panoff Law is committed to securing the maximum compensation for its clients.

Article by:

John Leighton

A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite