Rollover car crashes often result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Several causes could lead to a vehicle rolling over, such as driver negligence, tire blowouts, and road design. Often, the victims can pursue compensation from negligent parties or insurance companies to cover medical costs, repairs, and other damages. The following steps will help victims of a rollover accident understand their rights, protect their legal interests, and move forward with recovering damages associated with the crash:
Ensure Your Safety
A rollover crash can be particularly dangerous for its victims, and it’s advised to minimize your risk of further injury. In the event of an accident, your top priority should be to seek medical attention for yourself and any other individuals who may have been injured. If severe, avoid moving around too much and wait for the emergency medical team to assess your condition. Remember to keep a record of any medical expenses or treatments you receive as a result of the crash. Having this record will help you build a strong case.
Contact Police
In most states, it is generally a requirement to contact the police if you are involved in a car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Florida Statute 316.065 reiterates this, adding that the driver involved in a crash that results in damage to any property worth at least $500, must immediately contact law enforcement. The police report could also provide you with evidence to use in a case against the at-fault party, so it’s best to request a copy. The report will have time stamps and all the information necessary to build a strong case.
Gather Evidence by Documenting the Scene
If you’re in a position to do so, document the scene of the crash as soon as possible. Take photos of any property damage, skid marks, and other evidence that may be important for your case. This type of physical evidence can help you in the long run. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to collect contact information from witnesses or other parties involved in the crash. These statements are helpful as these people are not directly involved in the crash. Therefore they will sound more genuine and give the truth.
Reach Out to Your Insurers
Since Florida is a no-fault state, your insurance company will be responsible for covering at least some or all of the damages. This includes medical expenses, property damages, and lost wages up to your policy limit. As such, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the claims process. Make sure to give them the proper documents so they know what they are working with. That way you will be able to receive the financial compensation that you deserve.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s important to note that in some cases, the damages from a rollover accident may exceed the limits of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. Additionally, if your injuries are severe or permanent, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. In such cases, consulting with a personal injury attorney can be beneficial in understanding your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Conclusion
If you find yourself involved in a rollover accident, understanding what you need to do to protect your legal interests is essential. Fortunately, Florida has laws that protect victims of such accidents from bearing the excessive financial burden. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and successful process for recovering damages associated with your car crash. Keeping yourself covered is the most important part. Make sure to get all the evidence necessary to build a strong case and get the justice that you deserve.
