1. REPORT THE CAR ACCIDENT IMMEDIATELY.

It is vitally important that you document that the accident happened and how it happened. If the car accident involved injuries or property damage over $500.00, by Florida Law, you are obligated to report your accident. To report your accident, call the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol. If your accident resulted in serious injuries or an unsafe situation, call 911. Once the authorities arrive, you will have an opportunity if necessary to be transported to the ER for your injuries. Additionally, responding officers will then compile all the necessary insurance info for the at-fault driver. You will need this info later!

If you need help or have any questions about your auto accident case in South Florida, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, PA. We are always in your corner!

2. GATHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT THE SCENE.

It is always smart to try to get the name, phone number, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance information (carrier and policy number) from anyone involved in the accident. Responding police officers should also compile this info in their report, but gathering whatever info you are able to is always helpful. Also, ask for names, phone numbers, and addresses of any passengers and witnesses. This information could be helpful if your accident results in a future lawsuit. Finally, if you are able, you should also get photos of the property damage to all involved vehicles and the scene if possible.

If you have any questions about your auto accident in South Florida, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, PA. We are always in your corner!

3. FILE A CLAIM WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

Immediately following an accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company. You should do this even if you were not responsible for the accident. The insurance company will investigate your claim to determine fault and damage. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or benefits, do not be afraid to ask your insurance company. Be careful. Failure to report your accident could potentially result in a denial of insurance benefits.

If you have any questions about filing a claim with your insurance company, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, PA. We are always in your corner!

4. SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

The State of Florida has Personal Injury Protection (also called “PIP” or “no fault”) automobile insurance. Under Florida’s PIP laws, drivers are required to carry insurance to cover the driver’s own injuries and lost wages, regardless of whether the accident was the driver’s fault or the fault of the other driver.

Now, here is the tricky part:

Under Florida’s new PIP law, an injured driver must seek treatment within fourteen (14) days to receive PIP benefits. If you have PIP automobile insurance, you should consult your doctor or go to an emergency room as soon as possible–even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Some injuries do not manifest themselves immediately after an accident. You do not want to be prevented from recovering PIP benefits because of this technicality.

If you were a passenger in an accident, you should also immediately seek medical treatment. Passengers are also entitled to PIP benefits. If the driver you were riding with had PIP automobile insurance at the time of the accident, you should be able to recover for your injuries.

If you have any questions about your PIP benefits, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, PA. We are always in your corner!

5. CONTACT AN ACCIDENT LAWYER IMMEDIATELY.

A lawyer can help guide you through the confusing swamp that a personal injury case and the subsequent insurance issues can be. You’re hurt, you’re missing work and losing money by the day and meanwhile, your medical bills and collections letters are filling your mailbox every day. It can be a frustrating, anxiety-inducing, and confusing time. WE CAN HELP. CALL THE LAW OFFICES OF JOSEPH BOSCO TODAY. WE ARE ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER.