Goldberg & Dohan LLP
2020 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Suite 1105B
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-536-3400
Email: rdohan@goldbergdohan.com
Website: http://www.goldbergdohan.com
facebook.com/GoldbergDohanLLP
The Dos and Don’ts of Car Accident Cases
According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), American motorists are involved in about six
million accidents every year. Many of those involved in such accidents have to
make insurance claims and seek compensation for vehicle damage, bodily injuries
and other related losses. At Goldberg & Dohan, a respected
national law firm, we have helped over 10,000 clients and their families “get
paid and get back to living” following such accidents.
While represent and guide our clients
as they maneuver through the legal minefield of personal injury auto accident
law, and it is very important for accident victims to take certain steps so as
to avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize their claim.
The Dos:
1.
You
must call the police. An official account is crucial when dealing with
insurance claims. Don’t “feel bad” for
the at fault person and figure you will deal with it later.
2.
If
there is even the slightest suspicion that you or your passengers are hurt,
call 911 immediately as ask for rescue services. They will provide an official
documentation of your condition at the accident site. If necessary, request that Rescue take you to
the nearest emergency room. Do not think
your condition will improve when you get home.
In fact, in our experience, the pain only increases once you get home.
3.
Gather
as much information as possible at the accident site. This includes taking
pictures of the damage to the cars and the scene with your smart phone, obtain
the phone numbers of witnesses and the insurance information of those involved
in the accident.
4.
As
soon as is possible, call your insurance company to report the claim.
5.
Keep
a record of all communications you have with your insurance company, including
dates and names of people you spoke with, and the claim number.
6.
Save
all the receipts and bills of accident-related expenses.
7.
Hire
an attorney, who can inform you of your rights and guide you through the
processes.
The Don’ts:
1.
Never
give statements, written or verbal to anyone without the advice of your
attorney.
2. Do not admit liability since fault is not
easily determined in car accidents.
3. Never assume that your insurance adjuster’s
decision is final. Talk to your attorney to determine the real value of your
claim.
4. Do not sign any waiver or release without
consulting an attorney.
