No matter how calm, cool, and collected you think you are, nothing shakes us up like being in a car accident here in Miami.  Emotions are all over the place including fear, failure, and anger.  Print out this list of put it in your cell phone.  The decisions you make or don’t make at the scene may cost your many thousands of dollars.

1. Review the medical condition of everyone – car body damage is not the issue.  Be a help where you can.  If someone is badly hurt, call 911.
2. Don’t apologize – You may even think it was your fault, but fault is a legal issue.  Saying “I’m sorry, I just didn’t see you,” can be seen as an admission of liability, and until all the facts are in you won’t know if you are liable, even if you think you were at fault.
3. Call Your Insurance Company – report the accident to your insurance company, even if you think you are completely at fault. Also, keep track of the time and money spent pursuing your claim.  You may want to call a personal injury attorney before you call the insurance company.  Remember, even your own insurance company is not your friend.
4. Take Lots of Pictures – Your proof of the damage to the your car and any other cars involved will help with insurance, and be evidence if there is a lawsuit. Your phone has a camera.  Use it.
5. Take Notes – Talk to witnesses – Get contact information of any bystanders that may have seen the accident.  Detail the extent of injuries to yourself and others.  Jot down what you think happened while it is fresh in your mind
6. Get an Appraisal by Your Insurance Company – this will serve as the minimum amount you can recover for the physical damage to your car. If the figure from your insurance company seems too low, get a quote from a body shop.
7. Watch Your Words – when at the scene or in conversations with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company, your best response is to say that your attorney will handle it.  In these situations, any wrong statement can be very damaging to your recovery.
8. Don’t ever accept the offer from the insurance company – They will low ball the offer every time.  If there is any personal injury, your attorney will be the best guide to what amount to accept.

In case you haven’t decided that you should hire a personal injury attorney, please read this article on how a personal injury or car accident lawyer can increase the total amount of the final payment to you by 40% or even more.  Call us today at 786-371-4431