Six Things You Can Do If You Were Involved In A Florida Car Accident

Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons including negligent and careless drivers, bad weather, dangerous road conditions or mechanical issues. Accidents can leave their victims with personal injuries and property damage. If you or someone you love has been injured in a severe car accident, you can file a claim for damages. Before you proceed with your case, here are 6 things to remember:

If you have been in an accident, do not leave the scene. Call 911 and wait for the authorities to arrive and conduct an investigation. Take a copy of the Drivers Exchange of Information or the Traffic Crash Report.

In the meantime, if there are any witnesses nearby, obtain their personal contact information such as an email address, phone number and even a recorded statement of what they observed at the accident scene.

Take pictures and videos of the accident scene including the vehicles involved, any damage, the license plates, the condition of the road and traffic signage, and so on.

If you have been injured, emergency paramedics may treat you at the scene and offer to transport you to the closest hospital. If you do not go to the emergency room be sure to undergo a complete medical examination from a qualified medical physician. Even if you think your injuries are minor you should still seek medical treatment. You can go to your own doctor, urgent care or to a local hospital. Keep records of all your discharge papers, prescriptions, medical records and expenses.

Knowing the type of accident you have been in may help you determine who was at fault. The legal team at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can assist you with establishing the liability of the at-fault party. Common causes of accidents in Florida include:

1. Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions occur if a vehicle is driving on the wrong side of the road and they collide with another vehicle driving in the opposite direction on the same road. Such collisions occur due to reckless driving, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers who are distracted on the road and those who do not abide by road regulations. They may even occur at intersections due to speeding.

2. Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end collisions simply occur when the vehicle behind crashes into the one in front of it and are usually the result of speeding. Such accidents frequently occur at night and are common among teens and inexperienced drivers. They may also result due to drivers who are making a turn or changing lanes without any prior indication.

3. T-Bone and Side Impact Accidents

When a vehicle moving forward is hit by another one from either side, it becomes a side impact accident. Such accidents commonly leave their victims with neck injuries such as whiplash and may even turn into fatal crashes if there is a rollover impact.

4. Uber and Lyft Accidents

Ride sharing services may be involved in accidents as well. If the accident was caused by the driver of the Uber/Lyft, then they will be liable for damages. The accident may be due to any reason such as distracted driving, improperly serviced vehicle, and so on.

5. Passengers Injured

Some accidents may cause injuries to accidents such as those in a friend’s or relative’s car or in a ride sharing service. These passengers may be able to pursue a claim for damages against the driver of the vehicle they are in or that of the other party depending on who caused the accident.

6. DUI Accidents

DUI accidents are particularly common at night and among teen drivers. They may lead to minor collisions such as fender benders or serious crashes. Such drivers are not only putting others at risk but are also breaking the law by driving under the influence.

7. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving covers everything from texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, speaking to other passengers and even just being lost in thought. Such drivers may fail to see hazards on the road until it is too late.

8. Texting and Driving

This has unfortunately become a common problem among younger drivers and can lead to fatal crashes that can result in collisions with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and more.

9. Young or Inexperienced Drivers

Driving without a license is punishable by law, but younger drivers fail to abide by this and may not be able to maneuver their vehicles in heavy traffic, steep turns, and so on.

10. Mechanical Failures

Some accidents are not due to the negligence of any drivers on the road but the vehicle manufacturer, parts provider or the one who serviced the vehicle. Faulty brakes, airbags that didn’t inflate or cracked windshields may end up becoming the cause of the accident.

The damages you suffer in a car accident can range from economic ones such as medical bills for treatment and lost wages due to injuries to non-economic ones such as loss of consortium, mental and emotional trauma, and so on. Make sure to keep a record of all these damages. Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can assist you with gathering documentation, consulting with experts and identifying and documenting your losses and expenses.

The Florida Statute of Limitations determines how much time you have to file a lawsuit for your car accident case. For personal injuries and property damage in a car accident, the Statute of Limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and case evaluation. Let us explain your legal options.

Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have over 40 years of combined legal experience, and our dedicated attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We will discuss your case with you in a free consultation in your home, hospital or at our office. Our lawyers will help establish a claim for damages against the negligent party, collect documentation, build your case and handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company. We strive to help you get fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us at:

• Frankl Kominsky in Boynton Beach - Call (561) – 800 – 8000
• Pompano Beach - Call (954) – 800 – 8000
• Port St. Lucie - Call (772) - 800 - 8000

Here’s Why You Should Hire an Accident Lawyer after a Florida Car Crash

For more information, you can also reach out to us at our website to start your road to recovery.