Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By F. Scott Pauzar, III, Naples Personal Injury Attorney
A car wreck can be a very traumatic experience. The main thing to remember right after an automobile crash is to remain calm and ensure all parties around you are safe by dialing 911 if there is an emergency medical situation. Do not leave the scene at all.
Next, exchange basic information immediately–trade information like your names and insurance companies, but nothing else. Never admit fault or start apologizing. You do not know whose fault is who’s in a moment like this, and you do not want to say anything to jeopardize your claim for compensation in the future. Therefore, remain silent on the fault issue.
The next step is to call the police. And finally, contact an attorney with experience in car accidents in Florida. These are all crucial steps following a car accident.
Claim for Compensation Following an Auto Accident
Follow these critical steps to make sure you are safe and to secure yourself in the event of pursuit of compensation if you file a future claim:
Do not leave the scene – If there are significant injuries, death(s), or property damages, it is a crime to leave an accident scene. However, be sure to move to safety until the authorities arrive.
Make sure everyone is okay and check for injuries – It is okay to leave the scene if emergency medical attention is needed.
Call the police – Make sure your accident is on record, no matter the circumstances, and wait for an officer to arrive. A police report is crucially important to your potential claim.
Stay at the scene and stay silent – Exchange basic information like names and insurance companies – Otherwise, remain quiet and do not discuss any “fault.”
Seek medical attention – After your accident, go to a doctor and seek prompt medical help. Ensure your injuries are documented and explained and that you receive the care needed to get on the road to recovery. Your medical records will be vital to your future lawsuit or insurance claim if filed.
Call an attorney – The insurance companies will try to communicate with you right away. Avoid this, and do not give a “recorded statement.” Instead, hire an attorney to speak on your behalf as your legal counsel.
The law firm of Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. has the experience and knowledge to walk you through the Florida legal process following your car accident. The weeks following a car accident can be challenging, so let us handle the legal aspects immediately so you will be able to focus on your entire physical and mental recovery while your attorneys handle the claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Don’t Settle for Less
A car accident is stressful enough. You do not have to talk to insurance adjusters or anyone else alone. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through the tedious and challenging Florida legal process and fight to win the full settlement you are due.
Call an attorney – The insurance companies will try to communicate with you right away. Avoid this, and do not give a “recorded statement.” Instead, hire an attorney to speak on your behalf as your legal counsel.
The law firm of Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. has the experience and knowledge to walk you through the Florida legal process following your car accident. The weeks following a car accident can be challenging, so let us handle the legal aspects immediately so you will be able to focus on your entire physical and mental recovery while your attorneys handle the claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Don’t Settle for Less
A car accident is stressful enough. You do not have to talk to insurance adjusters or anyone else alone. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you through the tedious and challenging Florida legal process and fight to win the full settlement you are due.
If you have a personal injury claim, settling it on your own without a lawyer could mean getting much less than you’re legally entitled to. Let us fight to bring you the money you deserve!
We provide our car accident legal services on contingency, meaning there is no cost to you unless we get paid by negotiating an equitable settlement or winning a verdict. Contact us today at 239-649-6555 or see www.wpl-legal.com.
About the Author
F. Scott (“Scott”) Pauzar, III is a litigation and personal injury law attorney in Woodward, Pires & Lombardo’s Naples office. He has a broad base of legal knowledge and skills cultivated through over 19 years of experience as a litigator in complex litigation in both state and federal courts. Previously, Scott was an Assistant State Attorney at the 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Fort Myers. During his five years as a Prosecutor, Scott conducted over 30 jury trials. After leaving the Office of the State Attorney, Scott served as an insurance defense attorney for 11 years, where his practice focused on litigation of complex cases and catastrophic injuries. Scott now combines his jury trial and defense experience to successfully represent his clients in litigation and personal injury law matters.
Scott is a military veteran, having served on active duty in the United States Air Force between 1989 and 1993. He is a native of Naples, Florida. Scott received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Jacksonville University in 1996 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2004. He is a member of The Florida Bar, and is admitted to practice in the U.S. Middle District and U.S. Northern District of Florida.