Car Accident FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What to do after a car accident?

• Move your vehicle. If possible, remove your vehicle (and any other hazardous item) from the road to prevent danger and accidents of other cars and pedestrians.
• Seek medical attention. Call an ambulance if you or a passenger is injured.
• Take pictures. Take pictures of the scene and the vehicles involved being sure to note any and all property damages and bodily injuries.
• Document and exchange important information. You should exchange basic contact information with all of the parties involved in the car accident. Also, document the time and date of the accident, and record what happened. This information will be useful for a later date.
• Report the accident. Your car accident should be reported to local authorities.

How soon after an accident should I contact a lawyer?

After a car accident, you should contact an accident attorney immediately. Early legal representation is a step in the right direction.

What is PIP insurance?

PIP stands for Personal Injury Insurance. It is a “no-fault” coverage that allows your medical expenses to be afforded, regardless of who is at fault. PIP may also cover funeral costs and rehabilitation costs.

How can I protect myself against uninsured drivers?

• Review your insurance policy. It is best to consult with an agent at your insurance company to review your policy and learn about additional coverage.
• Practice safe driving behaviors. Avoid usage of cellular devices, food and other distractions while driving. Pay attention to your surroundings and follow basic traffic rules..
• Contact an experienced lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities after a car accident, as well as help you receive coverage for your lost wages, medical expenses, and general pain and suffering.

What are my legal rights after a car accident?

After an Orlando car accident, you have the right to file a claim against the parties that are responsible for the accident.

Can passengers make a claim to recover damages for injuries?

Yes. You may file a claim under the bodily injury insurance coverage of the driver if he/she is partly responsible for the car accident.

Can my lawyer assist with an insurance claim after an accident?

Absolutely. An injury lawyer will be very useful. He/she can assist you with filing an insurance claim properly to ensure that your lost wages, medical expenses and other costs are accounted for and compensated.

If I don't feel injured after an automobile accident, do I have to see a doctor?

Yes. After an Orlando automobile accident, you should  seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes, parts of the body can be damaged, without the experience of pain and discomfort, until weeks, even months after the accident. Therefore, you should see a doctor for a physical examination. If you do not seek medical attention early, it becomes difficult to gain compensation for medical expenses.

Who pays for my medical bills if I’ve been injured in a car accident?

In most cases, the person who is responsible for the car accident is required to cover the medical expenses. However, if the person responsible for the accident does not have car insurance, your own insurance policy may have to cover the expenses.

The insurance company is disputing my injuries. What should I do?

While insurance companies serve to cover expenses for emergencies such as car accidents, they are also businesses that must make profit. Receiving compensation from insurance companies is never an easy process. While there may be legitimate reasons why your injuries may be disputed, some insurance companies deny claims wrongfully.

If your insurance company is disputing your injuries, you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer for assistance with providing compelling evidence to support your claim and the process of making an appeal. Personal injury lawyers can help the process go much more smoothly.

Can I receive compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Depending on your insurance policy, you may still be eligible to receive compensation if you were not wearing a seatbelt during the car accident. However, the amount of benefits that you receive may be reduced.

What if I believe the accident I was in was at least partly my fault?

If you believe that the accident was at least partly your fault, you should report a detailed account of how the accident occurred to both the police and your insurance company.

Can I still win my case if my memory of the accident now conflicts with things I might have said at the time of the accident?

It is best to not have any discrepancies when reporting your accident to authorities (including the police and your insurance company). It is normal to forget details of the accident, which is why it is best to record a detailed account of the accident as soon after the accident as possible.

I was in a car accident and the airbags in my car didn't deploy. Do I have a case against the car manufacturer?

If you knew that the airbags in your car were malfunctioned before the accident, you will likely not have a case against the car manufacturer. It is best to contact an experienced personal injury attorney if you wish to file a suit against a third party.