Car Accident Lawyers in Orlando Helping Clients Receive Fair Compensation for Their Injuries

There is a high likelihood that you will be involved in a car accident at some point in your life. In Florida, more than 400,000 car accidents occur every year. Put another way, about 5% of all Florida drivers will be involved in an accident in any given year. If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, help is available.

At RTRLAW, we understand there is no way to completely prepare for a sudden horrific event like a car accident. Whether you currently find yourself struggling to recover from an accident or you simply want to take a proactive step to know your rights for the future, be sure to arm yourself with information so you can be as ready as possible.

When your life is impacted by a car accident, the after -effects are far-reaching and can cause emotional and physical trauma, strain on your finances, and an incredible amount of stress to you and your family. However, the negative pressure of the situation can be mitigated by making the right choices — the most important of which is getting guidance from an experienced car accident attorney in Orlando who will stand by your side and fight for what you deserve.

What Steps Should You Take Following a Car Accident?

Living in Orlando, we’ve all heard the statistics. Central Florida roadways are some of the most dangerous in the country. Driving here means long, congested commutes, distracted tourists, never-ending construction, and highly populated interstates.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Orlando, chances are these contributing factors only make the situation more stressful and confusing. So, while there are some basic things everyone should do after a car accident, here are some tips specific to our local area.

1. If you’re in a car accident and are conscious and able, move completely out of busy traffic. Other drivers who may be speeding down I-4 or are busy following complicated directions on the winding back-roads to Disney may not take the precautions to slow down or stop at the site of your accident. Make sure to move well out of the way of possible oncoming traffic so as not to cause any further injuries or damage.
2. Immediately following a car accident, identify and tend to your injuries or those of your passengers right away. If necessary, call 911 from the scene to receive care. Making sure the physically injured are treated medically is the first priority. You are part of that equation as well. How are you feeling? Are you experiencing pain? Be sure to tell the first responders if you have suffered any injuries in the crash.
3. The next steps you should take include documenting damage photographically of your car and injuries and locating any vital information you will need going forward. In the moments after an accident, taking photos may not be top of mind,  but pictures of the damage and accident scene might be the most valuable component to receiving fair compensation later. Take a few minutes to find your cell phone and snap a few shots of your vehicle, the other vehicle, and the surrounding area. Take pictures even if you don’t visibly see damage – evidence of that might be important, too. If the other vehicle is fleeing the scene, be sure to take a photo of their car or jot down their license plate number or the model, make and color of the car. Also, as quickly and as safely as possible, locate your driver’s license and insurance information. Have this readily available for the police.

Are You Required to Report a Car Accident to the Police in Orlando?

If you are injured in a car accident, it is required that you notify law enforcement. If you are involved in an accident without any injuries, depending on the type of damage, you may also need to alert the police. In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to notify police and wait at the scene for them to arrive for all car accidents.

However, for minor collisions or “fender benders,” there is no absolute requirement that you notify the police. If there is damage to a vehicle as the result of an accident, depending on the circumstances, it might be in your best interests to contact the police in order to get an accident report. Otherwise, once the parties have left the scene of an accident, there is possibly nothing concrete tying either to the accident.

Not notifying the police might result in a person who was actually at fault in an accident not being held responsible because there is no proof of involvement.

Should You Accept the Initial Amount Offered by The Insurance Company?

It’s important to remember one rule about insurance company offers: they are generally not offering you what you deserve or all that you need to be made whole or to get a fair recovery. They are potentially offering you the least amount of money they think they can get away with paying you.

Insurance companies are businesses, and one way they make profits is by continuing to collect insurance payments from clients while also trying to pay out as little as possible when those clients have an insurance claim.

They will often start with a low offer in the hopes that you are in a tough situation after an accident and just want to get money to solve your immediate problems. Sadly, many people take that offer, and that may or may not be the right thing for you to do in your situation.

That’s why it is in your best interests to not accept the initial offer, or at the very least, consult an experienced Orlando car accident law firm and get your attorney’s guidance before accepting an offer or talking in depth with the insurance company.

What Kinds of Damages Could You Be Eligible to Recover?

There are multiple kinds of damages that you may be eligible to recover after being injured in a car accident. They can possibly include:

• Ambulance fees
• Treatment for health and medical issues
• Hospital bills
• Rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Lost wages
• Lost future wages and benefits (if you’re unable to return to work)
• Vehicle repairs
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering & mental anguish
• Insurance premium costs
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Diminished quality of life
• Damage to reputation

These are just some potential damages that you may be eligible for but you should speak with an attorney to make sure there are no additional damages that may apply to your specific situation.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Really Help You?

The questions and concerns you have following a car accident can be overwhelming. As the days and weeks go on, more issues might arise. Sometimes, it gets worse before it gets better. Dealing with insurance companies, doctors, the other driver and his or her insurance company, and possibly the police is so stressful that you might feel like you’ve taken all you can handle. We have been through these issues with our clients and in our own lives. At RTRLAW, we are committed to helping others so you never have to go through this alone. Please reach out to us at 407-343-5152 or toll-free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR today. Our injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights. We will use our experience, compassion, and knowledge of the law in Florida to provide you with the best possible outcome and get you the compensation you deserve.