Pensacola Car Accidents Lawyer

We understand the challenges that come with being injured in an auto accident. Our Pensacola car accidents lawyer is here to help clients get the compensation they need to cover medical costs, rehabilitation, in-home care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call Crawford Law at (850) 220-2098 or reach out online today to set up a consultation.

What to Do After a Car Accident

The best chance to secure a fair settlement is to take the right steps in the immediate aftermath of an accident. We know this can be a crazy time, and some of the steps presume a driver is healthy enough to take the recommended action in the moment. But the more of these steps that can be taken, the stronger position an injured driver will be in.

Exchange Information

Gather as many facts as possible, such as license plate numbers, passenger names and contact details, and the make and model of the vehicles. 

Additionally, collect the contact information of eyewitnesses to the accident. It's advisable to use your cellphone camera to take photos and videos of the scene, capturing all involved vehicles from different angles.

Call the Police

Under Florida law, accidents must be reported if they result in death or injury, involve a hit and run or a driver under the influence, or cause property damage worth $500 or more. But even if the circumstances of an accident don’t mandate calling the authorities, this step is still strongly recommended. 

Police reports can be valuable for both insurance claims and personal injury cases. Failing to call the police can result in evidence being lost and may harm any legal and insurance claims in the future. 

Stay Silent

After an accident, it's understandable to feel shaken and upset, but it's important to avoid apologizing or admitting fault. Doing so can be used against a driver in any future legal proceedings, even if it wasn’t intended as an admission of liability. Even simply expressing remorse could be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Instead, focus on providing the necessary factual information and cooperating with the authorities as much as possible.

It's also natural for friends and family to express concern about your well-being but be cautious when discussing the accident. Family and friends may be called upon as witnesses in court. Posting about the accident on social media is an even bigger risk. 

A Pensacola car accident attorney is the only one a plaintiff can confide in and know that the discussion is legally protected by confidentiality. 

Call Your Insurance Carrier

It’s important to inform an auto insurance company promptly after an accident, as many have strict time limits for filing claims. Delaying could increase the likelihood of a claim being devalued.

See a Doctor

Even if a driver walks away from an accident feeling physically fine, it is still important to seek a medical examination. One reason is personal health — a doctor can ensure there are no underlying internal injuries that may develop into complicated and costly conditions over time. 

Moreover, failing to seek medical attention immediately can negatively impact any insurance claims. The opposing party may argue that the lack of medical attention proves that the injuries were either not as serious as claimed, or that they were not directly caused by the car accident.

Call Our Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer

At Crawford Law, clients will get solid advice on how to take their case to the next level. That means a follow-up investigation into the details of the accident, gaining an understanding of the full scope of injuries, and getting on the phone with the insurance carrier and negotiating a fair settlement claim. 

Being injured in a car accident can be scary, the aftermath is usually chaotic, and it can sometimes be traumatic. People shouldn’t have to worry about their legal affairs. Let us handle that. You get healthy. We’ll focus on getting the settlement you deserve. 

Call Crawford Law at (850) 220-2098 or contact us online today.