David R. Heil P.A.

Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando

Call Me for a FREE Consultation 24 HRS A DAY (800) 952-1622
  • Orlando
    (407) 326-2517
  • Winter Park
    (407) 599-2100
  • Melbourne
    (321) 327-2944
  • DeLand
    (386) 736-9000
  • Home
  • About
  • Free Consultation
  • Practice Areas
    • Auto Accident
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Boating Accidents
    • Brain Injury
    • Burn Injury
    • Defective Product
    • Dog Bites
    • Epcot Injury
    • Homeowner’s Cases
    • Hurricane Claim Attorney
    • Insurance Claim
    • Legal Consultations
    • Bus Accidents
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Neck and Back
    • Nursing Home Neglect
    • Pedestrian Accidents
    • Pharmacy Negligence
    • Pool Accident
    • Scooter Injuries
    • Slip & Fall
    • Spider Bites
    • Trucking Accidents
    • Theme Park Accident
    • Walt Disney World Injuries
    • Workers’ Compensation
    • I-4 Express Lane Accident
  • Results
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me
FREE CONSULTATION - NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

At the Scene of a Car Accident, and Afterward

October 31, 2016 by David R. Heil, PA

image1It is, perhaps, a masterpiece of understatement to say that a car accident can be a challenging and painful event in one’s life. Depending on the severity, you may suffer from a large range of emotional, physical, and financial issues, from repairs to your vehicle to costly medical expenses you may need to cover for your own personal injuries. There are also less obvious costs such as time lost from work and the loss of your car while it is being repaired. And even after the car is fixed and the body mends, the psychological and emotional suffering of those involved may continue for years to come.

With so much at stake in the wake of a traumatic, shock-inducing event, it’s understandable that many people sleepwalk through car accidents without a full awareness or grasp on the details. But when it comes to making sure that you are compensated for your injuries and losses, these details, and your actions in the event of a car accident, are vitally important if you end up in court.

While it’s nothing you want to think about in an already stressful situation, and treatment and safety at the scene are paramount, your long-term recovery may depend upon keeping track of the fine print even while first-responders are working at the scene.

Stay Calm

No one is ever fully prepared for a car accident. However, remaining calm in the event of one is important for a host of reasons. Most immediately, it allows you to respond to your situation appropriately, rather than compounding the situation with irrational actions that may even lead to further injury. However equally importantly, it gives you self-control enough that you can assess the situation and keep track of details, most especially the following:

Time and Place. What was the date and time of the accident? Where did it take place? The exact time of the accident is what sets the timer for how long you have to file a claim. If you wait too long to report your injuries, it will affect your treatment, as well as your ability to defend your claim in court. But you may also be able to use this information to gain CCTV footage of the event, which could become invaluable.

Events of the Accident. Record, as best as you can, everything you did leading up to the accident. Include every detail, no matter how innocuous. What was the weather like? Was the lighting or visibility a factor? Did you see the other drivers doing anything particularly noteworthy or illegal? How was the accident caused? What did everyone do immediately afterward? These are all useful details.

Witnesses and Reports. If there were any bystanders who witnessed the event, be sure to get their contact details if you can. If they’re unwilling to attend a possible court case to testify in person, try to get a written or spoken testimony from them instead. Such witnesses can provide much-needed validity to your case. Be sure to exchange details with other drivers involved in the accident too. Likewise, get official reports from any uniformed professionals who arrive on the scene, especially police and first-responders. These are especially useful, as such reports are also going to be timestamped.

Document Injuries and Damages. Where possible, take photos of the vehicle before it’s moved. Likewise, take photos of any personal injuries before you’re taken to the hospital. These can be used to give the court an idea of what sort of damages were inflicted, and thus the amount you can reasonably claim for their impact and treatment. The further statements of medical professionals or mechanics who are involved in treatment or repairs will also come into play if there is any kind of dispute.

After the Fact

After the accident, be sure to collect any and all evidence you were able to acquire on the scene, and keep it safe and accessible. When you are negotiating with insurance companies, you will need all of this information to be in order for your claim to be successful. You will also need to ensure that you keep up with your doctor’s appointments and follow their recommendations and treatments. Neglecting your treatment or delaying the process can make an otherwise legitimate claim look suspect.

In cases involving disputes with insurance companies over fault or settlements, or in cases of particularly serious injuries, seek the counsel of a practiced personal injury attorney who is familiar with the laws in your state and experienced with insurance claim disputes. They will help you understand your rights, and if necessary, fight on your behalf in court to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Share on Facebook Share
Share on TwitterTweet
Share on Pinterest Share
Share on LinkedIn Share
Share on Digg Share

Contact Me

Call for a FREE CONSULTATION 24x7: (800) 952-1622
Winter Park: (407) 599-2100 | DeLand: (386) 736-9000 | Melbourne: (321) 327-2944 | Orlando:(407) 326-2517

Practice Areas

  • Auto Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Boating Accidents
  • Brain Injuries
  • Burn Cases
  • Defective Products
  • Dog Bites
  • Epcot Injuries
  • Free Legal Consultation
  • Homeowner’s Cases
  • Insurance Claim Disputes
  • Lynx Bus Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Neck & Back Injuries
  • Nursing Home Neglect
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Pharmacy Negligence
  • Pool Accidents
  • Slip & Fall Injuries
  • Theme Park Accidents
  • Walt Disney World Injuries
  • Workers Compensation

David R. Heil P.A.

David R Heil, P.A.I am a trial attorney with over 35 years of experience in civil trial law. Your case will not be handled by an investigator, paralegal or case manager. I will personally meet with you to discuss your case at one of my offices, the hospital or your home. Legal information is available.

David R. Heil, PA

Request a FREE CASE REVIEW

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Why Choose David R. Heil, PA?

  • check-24No Fee Unless We Win
  • check-2435+ Years of Experience
  • check-24Free Consultation
David R. Heil, P.A., Attorneys & Lawyers, Winter Park, FL

Recent Blog Entries

  • Orlando Amusement Park Accidents
  • Personal Injury Attorney in Winter Park, FL
  • Orlando I-4 Express Lane Safety Tips That May Help Avoid Car Accidents
  • What is an Unsafe Lane Change in Melbourne, Florida?
  • What Should a Pregnant Woman Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Quick Links

  • About David R. Heil
  • Case Results
  • Contact Our Firm
  • FAQ
  • FREE CONSULTATION
  • My Blog
  • Office Locations
  • Practice Areas
  • Testimonials
  • My YouTube Channel
appstorebutton googleplaybutton
facebook-white google-plus-white twitter-white

David R. Heil, P.A., Attorneys & Lawyers, Winter Park, FL
Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Orlando


David R. Heil, PA - Better Business Bureau A+ Rated - Office Locations

Winter Park - 2324 Lee Road Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: (407) 599-2100

Melbourne - 1900 S Harbor City Blvd, Suite 219, Melbourne, Florida 32901 Phone: (321) 327-2944

Orlando - 121 S Orange Ave Suite 1596, Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 326-2517

Areas Served in Central Florida

  • Apopka
  • Altamonte Springs
  • Brevard
  • Casselberry
  • Central Florida
  • Clermont
  • Cocoa Beach
  • Daytona Beach
  • DeBary
  • DeLand
  • Deltona
  • East Orlando
  • Florida
  • Lake Buena Vista
  • Lake Mary
  • Longwood
  • Malabar
  • Melbourne
  • Merritt Island
  • New Smyrna Beach
  • Orange City
  • Orlando
  • Palm Bay
  • Rockledge
  • Sanford
  • Satellite Beach
  • Space Coast
  • Titusville
  • Viera
  • Winter Park
  • Winter Springs

Important Note

The hiring of a personal injury lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask me to send you free written information about my qualifications and experience.

This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Similar successful monetary results may not be seen by all clients seeking representation from Heil Law for accident or injury claims as each case is different. These results also reflect amounts awarded prior to deductions for attorney's fees, medical bills, and other court costs.

Copyright © 2023 David R. Heil, PA – Injury Attorney - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Accessibility Policy -  Sitemap Design and Marketing by Orange Rock Media