Accident and medical malpractice both can cause personal injury in human beings. In my previous hub I wrote about ‘no win no fee arrangement’ for medical malpractice compensation claim.

Although I wanted to write a lot more about medical malpractice, the recent accident on I-95 compelled me to choose this topic. The accident killed a teen of Fort Lauderdale and injured another family member.

The suddenness of accidents makes people unconscious about what to do next and what not to. Obviously the victims should be taken to hospital for treatment and local police should be contacted; but there are many more things to carry out. These actions help car accident victims receive compensation easily. On the other hand, some actions on your part may hinder the progress of your case in the court of law.

What TO DO after an accident:

1) Do seek medical care: This is the most important action to be performed immediately after an accident. The victims should be taken to hospital or to a doctor for a thorough check up. This step not only helps victims estimate the level of injury, but provides with valuable evidence.

2) Do file report with local police: Police report acts as strong evidence in case of car accidents. Contact local police and collect a copy of your report.

3) Do collect details of the guilty party: Collect vehicle number and driver’s name and contact details in case of car accident. If more than one car were involved in the case, collect the details of all the cars and respective drivers.

4) Do collect contact information of witnesses: Record name, address, contact number of all the witnesses who were present in the spot at the time of accident. The court of law can call them up during trial.

5) Do inform insurance company: Contact your insurance company to inform them about the accident and that you may need compensation.

6) Do take photograph of the place of accident: Take snaps of the spot where accident occurred. Do it immediately after the accident. In case of car accident take photographs of:

• The accident spot from all possible angles
• The area around the spot
• The car that hit you
• Your damaged car
• Your injuries

7) Do seek professional legal help: Contact car accident attorney or personal injury lawyers to know the right course of action.

What NOT TO DO after an accident:

1) Don’t shift the vehicle: In case of car accident don’t move your vehicle unless police reach the spot. However, you may need to steer the car if required by traffic law.

2) Don’t leave the spot: Don’t leave the place of accident without getting consent from local police. However, you should always leave hazardous and unsafe place and then look for help.

3) Don’t dispose of any evidence: Don’t throw away anything, I repeat anything, associated with the accident. You never know whether it may turn up as solid evidence in your favor. Damaged parts of your car, blood-stained garments etc. may play a vital role during trial.

4) Don’t argue and don’t apologize: Don’t get into any hot discussion with anybody at the place of accident. Also, do not apologize for whatever has happened – chances are the opponent would consider the entire case as your fault.

5) Don’t commit to any legal terms without consulting your attorney: Don’t accept to settle the case or any other proposal without consulting with your attorney.

That was a brief discussion on Dos and Don’ts of car accidents and personal injury cases. Florida residents should always consult Florida lawyers for professional legal advice.