Naples Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents have become so commonplace in Florida that most of us do not even pay attention when a crash is reported on the local news. For that matter, many people who are actually involved in an accident do not even take it seriously, at least initially. Perhaps you have been in a situation where you have “walked away” from a seemingly minor collision without even stopping to go to the hospital and get checked out.
Car accidents may be an everyday occurrence. But that does not make them normal or acceptable. The reality is that something that may look like a “fender bender” at first actually results in serious–and potentially life-threatening–injuries for the people involved. And if the accident was the result of negligence, those injured persons may have the right to take legal action to recover compensation.
Our skilled Naples car accident lawyer can help. At the Pendas Law Firm, we represent crash victims throughout Collier County who are facing thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost income, and other losses as the result of a preventable car accident. We can assist you in recovering these and other damages.
What Should You Do Following a Car Accident?
There are some basic steps you should take after any car accident, no matter how inconsequential it might seem at first:
- Check on the other people in your car and the other vehicles involved.
- Call the local authorities.
- Make contact with the other drivers to exchange license information. Do not comment on the accident itself, apologize, or get into the details of what happened.
- If you have your smartphone with you, take pictures of the accident scene.
- Take down the names and contact information of anyone else who may have witnessed the accident.
- Speak with the police if they attend the accident scene.
- Seek medical attention right away even if you “feel fine.”
- Contact your auto insurance carrier.
Keep in mind, Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. This means that you are required to initially seek compensation following an accident under the personal injury protection coverage contained in your own policy. You must do this even if you think the other driver was at-fault for the accident. If you are seriously and permanently injured and your damages ultimately exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you can then pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver and their insurance company.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today
Another step you take following an auto accident where you or someone in your family has been hurt is to speak with a lawyer. A qualified Naples car accident lawyer can review your case, represent you in dealing with your insurance company, and advise you on the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit. You cannot rely on your own insurance company to look out for your best interests, even in a no-fault case. So if you need to speak with a lawyer, contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.