What to do After a Car Accident in Lakeland

Lakeland is a picturesque city located in Polk County, Florida. Mildly populated by just over 100,000 people, its historically-rich streets see footprints and vehicle trails every day. Despite having been inhabited by Native Americans after the ice age, Lakeland has not escaped the passage of time. From skyscrapers to high-end cars, the city boasts an array of contemporary influences amid remnants of the past. 

As with any city, one of its primary modes of transportation is by car. And despite being one of the most widely-driven vehicles in the world, cars can be a learning curve for many. When coupled with irresponsible driving, it is inevitable for car accidents to happen one way or the other. Finding yourself in an accident can be scary, especially if it was not your fault. From calling medical services to seeking the help of a car accident attorney in Lakeland, here is everything you need to do when you find yourself in a car accident in Lakeland:

Stay on the Scene 

Car accidents are immensely overwhelming. One moment, you’re driving smoothly, and the next, something crashes from behind. Regardless of how big an accident is, the most important thing to do is to stay on the scene. Do not flee; instead, take out your phone and capture the scene with as many photos as possible. Drunk drivers tend to run rampant in the dead hours between night and dawn, and they are usually less aware of their surroundings without a decent source of light, so turn on your flashlight. 

Call the Police 

If seeking medical attention can wait, then it is best to call the police first. It is essential to involve the police as a police report may be necessary for you to work things around with your insurance company. Some require you to send in a report together with your claim for damages or medical reimbursement, so it helps to have an official record to back you up. If you have a car accident attorney in your contacts, then it is best to call him or her as well. He or she will be able to give you tips on how to strengthen your police report and will teach you to answer difficult questions. 

If the police officers do not come, gather the names, contact numbers, and addresses of all the people involved in the crime scene. That may include the person who caused the accident and witnesses – either fellow passengers or passersby. Ensure that the information they provide is accurate by testing it, as it is vital to retain contact to complete legal proceedings. 

Get the Help of a Car Accident Attorney 

A car accident attorney in Lakeland will handle all the legal matters concerning your accident. For one, they will help you file insurance and damages claims, which can be a tricky business, especially since some companies will try to find loopholes to give you less than you deserve. A lawyer will also help you determine whether or not it is best to sue the person who caused the accident, granted you were not the one who caused it. 

There are plenty of legal loopholes around car accidents, especially since they are so common anywhere in the country. In Florida alone, there were over 400,000 crashes that resulted in over 250,000 injuries in 2018. Getting an attorney is the best decision you will make, as they will be able to represent you in court and ensure that all legal matters are professionally covered. 

Seek Medical Help 

If you suffered injuries from the car accident, it is best to seek medical help. Florida has a no-fault law, which essentially means that insurance companies will cover a more substantial portion of the medical bill on the occasion of an accident. It is usually split by 80-20, so if you incur a $10,000 bill, around $8,000 will always be covered. An attorney will help you secure the documents needed to ensure that you get the coverage that you deserve. 

Car accidents can be stressful, especially if you were not at fault. Remember that the law is primarily against irresponsible driving, so you have the right to justice when you encounter a no-fault accident. By following the steps above, you will surely experience smooth post-accident proceedings.