While the thought of a car accident prompts many questions, sometimes it doesn’t always mean the right questions come to mind first. Of course the obligatory “What happened?” and “Do I need to go to the hospital?” are probably among the first things in your mind.
Those are undoubtedly important questions, but do you know what questions to ask yourself and others after an accident?
They aren’t just the ones listed above; in fact, they can be much, much more extensive.
This article is going to break down some fundamental questions to ask yourself (barring your need to go to the hospital), and provide insights on what you need to do if you have a car accident.
Ask Yourself These Questions
Once a car accident happens, the clock starts ticking. You’ll have to deal with a police report, getting the other person’s information, and dealing with insurance companies. Make sure you are documenting everything at the accident with pictures and a detailed explanation to the officer. If you’re not sure about what happened, it’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
Below are some of the introductory questions to ask yourself if you have a car accident, and why it’s important to consider:
- Should I get an attorney? Even if your accident is allegedly 100% “black and white” liability, insurance companies will still try to reduce the amount of money they owe you.
- Do I have to pay an attorney up front? No, personal injury attorneys usually have a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
- Am I automatically 100% at fault if I get cited? No–a police officer’s opinion regarding fault is not admissible in a civil claim for negligence. That means it doesn’t matter if you got a ticket; you may still have a case.
- Why won’t my primary care physician (PCP) treat me after an accident? When you are injured in an accident, your personal injury protection (PIP) becomes the primary payer. Your healthcare provider would need to file through your insurance carrier to get paid, and most aren’t willing to go through the hoops to do that. Therefore, you need to find a doctor that will properly treat you.
- Why does PIP pay for my bills? Florida is a no-fault state, meaning no matter whose fault it is, you must go through your own insurance for initial treatment. This is where your PIP comes in, and why it is mandatory for all Florida auto insurance policies.
The Takeaway
Your attorney will take care of the investigation with the insurance company, as well as figuring out if the other person involved has insurance or not, etc. For your own well-being, you deserve to get the best treatment and care following a car accident. Make sure you ask the right questions, and get to an experienced, compassionate attorney that will help you. To learn more, feel free to contact us!
