Should You Always Call the Police after an Accident?
If you’re involved in a traffic accident in Clearwater – even a minor one – it’s always in your best interest to call the police. The fact is that you’re required to do so whenever there is at least $500 in total damages, and very few car accidents come in under this mark. Ultimately, it’s difficult to say with any certainty how much damage a traffic accident causes from the outset, which makes it a good practice to simply alert the authorities. If another driver leaves you injured in a car accident, you need an experienced Clearwater car accident lawyer on your side.
The Law in Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires anyone who is involved in a traffic accident that leaves someone injured, that is fatal, or that causes at least an estimated $500 in total damages to call the local authorities immediately. Making this call helps to ensure that a police report will be generated, which can go a long way toward bolstering your claim.
Demonstrating the Other Driver’s Fault
To recover fully from the physical, financial, and emotional losses you experienced in the car accident, you’ll need to establish the following required elements:
- Another driver owed you a duty of care, which they proceeded to breach. When we drive, we have a responsibility to one another’s safety, and any form of negligence – such as distraction, excess speed, or impairment – is a breach of that responsibility.
- The other driver’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident that left you injured.
- You suffered losses that are covered by the law, including property damage to your vehicle, medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
By calling the police immediately following an accident, you help establish that each of these is true, and you alert the insurance company to the fact that you’re taking the matter as seriously as they should.
Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Your Claim
There are several steps you can take to help protect your car accident claim and your recovery, and they include calling the police as soon as you’re able to do so. Other important steps include the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention – the stress and adrenaline you experience post-accident can mask serious symptoms
- Reach out for trusted legal representation as soon as you can and allow your determined lawyer to ably guide your claim forward
- Follow your medical team’s guidance, instructions, and advice
- Stay off social media while your car accident claim is pending
Discuss your Claim with an Experienced Clearwater Car Accident Attorney Today
The seasoned Clearwater car accident Lawyers at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos are well equipped to guide you skillfully through the claims process – in defense of your rights and in focused pursuit of your rightful compensation. Your claim is important to your recovery, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 727-441-9030 for more information today.