5 Steps To Take After a Side Impact Collision in Naples, Florida
Car accidents happen daily, including fender benders, rear-end crashes, and multi-vehicle collisions. While all accidents can be damaging, side impact collisions are particularly dangerous.
Side impact collisions are responsible for a quarter of car occupant deaths in traffic accidents in the United States, making them deadlier than rear-impact crashes and rollovers. Commonly called T-bone accidents, side impact crashes can cause anything from minor bruises to broken bones and organ damage. What should you do if you’re involved in this type of collision in Naples, FL?
1. Call the Police
After an accident, move to a safe area and call law enforcement. Depending on the severity of the crash, they may come to the scene or ask you to file a report online or at a nearby station. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately to seek medical help.
The following information in a police report can help you later if you file an accident compensation claim.
- Accident details, including date, time, and location
- Contact information and statements from drivers and eyewitnesses
- A narrative and diagram showing how the collision occurred
- The officer’s conclusions about who caused the accident
- Any traffic citations issued, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running stop signs
2. Document the Scene
If it is safe to do so, start collecting evidence to support your claim at the accident scene. This includes the following:
- Contact and insurance information from the other driver
- Photos or videos of the vehicles involved, the intersection where the crash occurred, your injuries, and other relevant details
- Contact information of any witnesses
Emotions often run high after a car accident, whether it’s a side impact collision or just a fender bender. Avoid discussing fault with anyone. In addition to potentially escalating the situation, the other driver could use it against you later.
3. Seek a Medical Evaluation
With the adrenaline pumping, you may not even realize you’ve been hurt. But you should seek prompt medical attention no matter how you feel. Some injuries take hours, days, or weeks to appear. This includes potentially life-altering conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Another reason to see a doctor immediately is to protect your legal right to compensation. The longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the harder it may be to prove that your injuries came from the side impact collision. Follow up on medical care so the insurer can’t blame you for a slow recovery.
4. Contact an Attorney
Another way to protect your legal rights is to call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you don’t file a lawsuit, an attorney can explain your options, negotiate with insurance companies, and defend you against negligence claims.
If you file a lawsuit, your lawyer will ensure you meet the statute of limitations, handle the paperwork, calculate your economic and non-economic damages, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Although reporting a car accident to your insurance company is essential, speak with an attorney first. When communicating with insurance adjusters, provide accurate but brief details about the time, date, location, and other basic facts.
Avoid admitting fault or saying too much. You might be wrong about who caused the crash, and the insurer can use your words against you. Do not agree to a recorded conversation, sign a written statement, or accept a quick settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
Legal Help After Side Impact Collisions in Naples, Florida
If you’ve suffered an injury in a side impact collision or other car accident, The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. can help you fight for fair compensation. Contact us online or call 239-500-5000 today to schedule a free consultation.
