if you’re in an accident involving Injury, HERE’S WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO:

If you’re in an accident involving injury, or if you have been injured in an accident you believe was caused by the negligence of another, here are some things you SHOULD do, beginning immediately:

What you should do immediately after an accident involving injury:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Even if you feel okay initially, some accidents involving injury may not initially reveal your injuries or symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to ensure there aren’t any hidden issues or internal injuries that could become worse if unchecked.

Contact a Lawyer:

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, do not try to handle a claim on your own or risk using an inexperienced lawyer. The Fernandez Law Group promises to give every client the best legal representation and obtain the maximum compensation each client deserves, no matter how hard the fight.

If you were in an accident involving injury, call us by phone at 813-489-3222 or reach us online via email use our live chat feature, or text us and our we will be happy to discuss your situation and the possibility of bringing legal action against those who are responsible for your injuries.

Consultations are always FREE and there are no costs or fees unless we obtain a settlement for you.

Call your insurance agent:

Whether you are the one at fault for the accident or not, you should contact your insurance agent as soon as possible and notify them of the incident. However, any statements, notes, or additional information requested by your agent or any other agents should only be done at the discretion of your attorney.

Keep Everything:

Get a large envelope or file folder and begin keeping, in one place, everything that is potentially related to your accident or case. Save photographs of the accident or scene, photographs of the injured party before and after the accident, letters, bills, receipts, cancelled checks, insurance policies, police reports, notes, and other documents that might be helpful in proving how the accident happened and, just as importantly, the nature and extent of your injuries.

Record Questions:

Get a large notebook pad and begin writing down the questions you want to ask your lawyer the next time you meet with him or her. Also write down any additional facts you have forgotten to include in previous interviews.

Begin your diary or taking notes:

As time passes memories become blurred. Sit down now and write down the circumstances surrounding the accident. Add a the important events that have occurred since the accident. You should try to include as much detail as possible.

List Witnesses:

Every time an important event occurs that is witnessed by someone else, make a note of that person’s name, address, and phone number. Also, keep a list of the employees or supervisors at work who can testify as to the amount of your earning loss. If you learn of the existence of any witness to the accident, advise your attorney immediately.

The documents, notes, and lists that you collect above will be exceedingly helpful to your attorney as he or she begins to represent you and advocate on your behalf. As your case progresses toward settlement, mediation, or trial, your attorney will work with you on additional tasks and preparation.

Take photographs:

Photographs go a long way towards ensuring you have solid evidence and documentation to support any personal injury claims.

If possible, take photos of your injuries, or have a friend or family member assist if necessary. Some injuries heal sooner than others, so it is important to begin your photo documentation as soon as possible, and also include daily progress pics.

Any photos you can gather from the scene of the accident may also be useful.

Get a copy of the police report if possible

If the police show up at the scene of the accident, you’re going to want to g request a copy of the police report so you can go over it and make sure all facts regarding the accident are true and correct. If there are any omissions, errors, or inaccuracies in the police report, it could delay or hinder the success of your claim.

In Tampa, you can get copies of police reports within 60 days of the incident by visiting the Tampa Police Department at 411 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602 – (813) 276-3250. You will be required to present:

Current photo identification
Proof of exempt status – (records are confidential to general public for 60 days – exemption means you were involved in the crash, are an agent, attorney, or authorized representative)
A sworn statement that the crash report obtained will not be used for any commercial solicitation prior to the expiration of the 60 days.

Reports that have exceeded the 60-day period from time of the incident can be ordered online.

Our Tampa Lawyers are ready to provide you with a detailed consultation for FREE!

GET HELP NOW!

What NOT to do after an accident involving injury:

DO NOT admit fault. Even if you believe you may have been at least partially to blame for the accident, you should not admit wrongdoing or negligence to anyone. This includes the other party, the authorities, any witnesses, insurance agents, passengers, friends and/or family. Any statements made or information provided should be made at the discretion of your attorney.When you hire an attorney, you can count on them to make sure your rights are protected. And if the accident is serious and you may be responsible, it is very important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible, before you do anything else.
DO NOT give a written or oral statement to any person who contacts you about the accident or your case. Instead, refer them to your attorney (or advise them that you are currently obtaining one) then let your attorney know the name, address, and phone number of the person who contacted you.
DO NOT throw anything away.
DO NOT get discouraged. We are here to help.

An accident involving injury can be a difficult experience for anyone to overcome. Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers are here to assist you 24/7, every day of the year.