Even if you’re a careful, aware driver, you could still find yourself in an accident due to another driver’s carelessness or even due to a medical issue. An auto accident can be transformative, changing your life in an instant. Your vehicle is destroyed. You’re seriously injured. Your loved ones may be injured or worse. You may be unable to work and care for yourself.  You could also face sky-high medical bills.

But there is help. If you suffer serious injuries in an accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. New Port Richey car accident lawyer Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. can represent your case, working to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses.

But it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible because the law limits the amount of time you have to file a legal claim. Contact New Port Richey Attorney Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. to discuss your case in a confidential consultation. Call 727-781-3433.

What to Do After a Collision and When to Turn to a Top New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer

It’s typical to have questions after an accident. What’s comparative negligence? What’s a no-fault insurance state? What do you need to do after a collision?

The talented legal team with New Port Richey personal injury lawyer Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. has compiled a look at some of the most common inquiries from accident victims.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

In the seconds and minutes after a car crash, you must pull over to exchange information with the other driver. Even if there is no damage and no injuries, you must stop to speak with the other driver. If you flee the scene, this is considered a hit and run which can carry serious criminal penalties.

If the accident is serious (i.e. the vehicles are non-drivable), if there are injuries involved, or if the accident occurs in a dangerous, busy location, dial 911. You may also need to call 911 if the other driver shows signs of being impaired. If the other driver flees, stay at the accident scene and call the police.

It’s wise to take your own photos of the crash scene, providing you can do so safely. If you are injured, this task may need to be tended by police or an uninjured passenger. Get photos of the vehicles (and the damage) and the accident scene as a whole from multiple angles. Also get photos of any skid marks (or areas where you would expect to see skid marks, as this can be equally significant). If it’s a minor accident but the other person doesn’t have their driver’s license on hand, take a photo of the other driver with the damaged vehicles in the frame. This can be used to identify the other party if they gave you false information.

When you exchange info with the other driver, you’ll want to share some key information, including your name, address, phone number, license number, insurance information, license plate number, the registered owner’s name/address, and the make and model of the vehicle.

You should write down the precise time and location of the accident.

If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and contact info. A witness can play a key role if the case goes to court for a personal injury lawsuit or other legal proceedings.

If your car has sustained anything more than minor damage, then you may wish to contact your insurance company to begin the process of filing a claim.

If you’ve been involved in a collision, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries. Your lawyer can perform a review of your case, offering insight into whether your case would be viable. A car accident lawyer can also offer important insight and guidance for other aspects of the post-accident process.

What Does It Mean that Florida is a No-Fault Car Insurance State?

Florida is considered a no-fault insurance state and as such, insurance companies are required to provide coverage for an accident claim, regardless of which party is found to be at-fault for the accident.

Florida drivers are required to secure property damage liability (PDL) coverage to pay for damage repairs. You’re also required to get personal injury protection (PIP), which covers medical bills and non-medical losses, such as lost wages.

What’s the Florida Injury Threshold and Why is it Relevant?

Following a car accident involving injuries, you should consult a New Port Richey personal injury lawyer, who will work to evaluate your case in an attempt to determine if you meet or exceed Florida’s injury threshold.

If the threshold is not met, damages stemming from your injuries will typically be covered by your insurance. But you have serious injuries — injuries that cause scarring, disfigurement, loss of an important body function or permanent injury — you could have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.

A legal claim may also be appropriate if your case involves negligence, especially negligence that leads to a wrongful death.

What’s Comparative Negligence Law?

Florida uses comparative negligence law to determine fault in a car accident. With the comparative negligence system, each driver is assigned a percentage of the blame or fault for the collision.

The percentage of fault that is assigned to a driver is significant because it can impact how much compensation you receive in a lawsuit. For example, if you’re 25% to blame for an accident, then your jury award (or even an out-of-court settlement) will typically be reduced by 25%. So instead of $100,000, you would receive $75,000.

Comparative negligence percentages are also used by insurance companies. Your insurer may seek out compensation from the other party’s insurer in a process called subrogation. So if the other party is found to be 90% at fault, they may ask the other party’s insurance company to compensate them for 90% of the benefits that were paid to you.

Do You Need a New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a collision or if you lost a loved one in a fatal crash, contact New Port Richey car accident attorney Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. to discuss your case in a free consultation session.

It’s vital that you contact our law offices soon in order to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. Remember, the law limits the amount of time you have to file a legal claim. Call the New Port Richey law offices of lawyer Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. at 727-781-3433.