Tampa 10/3/2011 8:49:01 PM
News / Law

Tampa Attorney Explains Five Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Tampa auto accident attorney Marc Johnson offers five tips on what you should do after being involved in a car accident in Florida.  Few people make a plan for what to do after they are involved in an accident.  However, you can help yourself return your life to normal fast by remaining calm after a collision.  Simple mistakes and omissions can cost you time and money—but if you remember to take the following steps, you can save yourself a lot of stress.

Step one: Do not make any statements at the scene. Emotions are running high after a Tampa car accident, and you may be inclined to apologize or admit fault—even if you were not responsible for the crash.  Any statement you make—even something you say in the heat of the moment—can be used against you.  The insurance agent or negligent party may assert that you admitted fault and that you do not deserve compensation.

Step two: Seek immediate medical attention. If you or any other people in your car are injured, call for an ambulance.  Some injury victims are concerned about the cost of medical treatment and downplay their injuries in order to avoid the bills.  Car accident lawyers in the Tampa area frequently advise their clients to go to the hospital or call a doctor as soon as they experience any issues.  If you fail to receive treatment in a timely fashion, the negligent party may claim that your injuries did not result from the accident.

Step three: Call the police. Whenever a car accident results in an injury, you should call the police.  A police officer can diagram the scene and record the information of all drivers involved in the accident and all the witnesses present.  This information becomes valuable evidence to support your claim against the insurance company or in court.

Step four: Report the accident to your insurance company. Your insurance company can be a great ally in your time of need.  However, the agents may be concerned with the financial cost to the company, so be careful when giving them information.  Do not assume that they are on your side simply because you are a policyholder.  You should give them the basic information they need, but do not guess or make up details if you are not sure of their accuracy.

Step five: Contact a Tampa area car accident lawyer. The Tampa auto accident attorneys at Larson Johnson, P.L. represent victims of serious personal injuries and the loved ones of people killed in traffic accidents.  When you cannot receive the compensation you deserve from the negligent party or the insurance companies, our lawyers are here to help.  We advocate for clients throughout Florida, mainly in the following locations: Dover; Brandon; Plant City; Tampa; Hillsborough County; and University. 

Contact car accident lawyers in Tampa online or call Larson Johnson, P.L. at (888)443-6500.  

Lawyer Marc Johnson is a member of the national attorney network on LawyerCentral.com.

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