WHAT TO DO AFTER AN AUTOMOLILE ACCIDENT

Call the police, make sure you and the other passengers in your vehicle are okay, check to see if the people in the other car are okay, ... and then:

Take photos of the accident scene if possible (even photos taken with cell phone cameras work), as well as your or other’s injuries and the damages to both vehicles. If you have bruising that shows up later or if the doctor requests you wear and utilize a medical device, or a cast, take more photos.

Report the accident to your insurance company and/or insurance agent. Ask for whatever forms are necessary to get your PIP coverage established (payment of medical expenses and lost wages).

Call an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at the Wells Law Group are ready to help you.

Get a copy of your insurance policy if you do not have one.

Do not talk with the other driver’s insurance company representatives, adjusters or investigators, and do not give them a recorded statement. The other driver’s insurance carrier has no right to your recorded statement. If someone wants a recorded statement from you, ensure that they are from your insurer (and it is still best to have your attorney present).

Keep all the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.

Document any time you have missed work or go to the doctor. This can be reimbursed to you.

Record your mileage any time you travel for something related to the accident or your injuries. This can be reimbursed to you.

Make a diary, daily if possible, to assist you in later remembering your pain, hardship, limitations and things you missed out on or were limited in doing because of your injuries. If you start your diary late, try to write down everything you can recall. This will be important later in your case, because the other driver’s attorney will claim that the incident had no significant impact on your life.

Document everything. Keep copies of any document given to you by either your, or the other driver’s, insurer. This includes all correspondence you receive, as well as copies of anything you send your own insurer or any other person or entity regarding the loss. Take notes of every telephone conference or personal meeting with an insurance adjuster, agent, investigator or anyone asking you questions regarding your loss, and try to confirm any conversation in writing with an insurance company representative with a letter to the insurer. This includes each time you call and cannot reach the person you are calling and you have to leave a message with someone else, or a voice mail. This is VERY important.

Be truthful with your insurer, and if you begin dealing with the other driver’s insurer, be truthful with them as well. NEVER misrepresent anything to any insurance company. An attempt to defraud an insurance company can be met with severe criminal penalties.

Never accept any check from an insurer that states it is "full payment," "final payment," or any similar language, or if it releases the insurer or anyone else, or even says the word release, without seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you have an auto accident, make sure you retain the services of an attorney. Our Tampa auto accident lawyers are here to help you. Serving a wide area of Florida.

Wells Law Group. Representing families and businesses in disputes with insurance companies throughout Florida.