I Was Just in an Automobile Accident: Now What?

In the minutes after a car accident, a lot is going on at once. You could understandably get overwhelmed when you’re surrounded by loud voices, bright lights flashing, and the shock of just being in a crash. Even a minor car accident can turn into a major headache quickly. It is always best to be prepared, and even innocent drivers should stay calm and remember there are things that need to be done quickly to preserve a claim. The following steps should be taken by drivers and passengers involved in a car accident. • Check and make sure everyone is safe: Before getting caught up in the commotion of documenting your automobile accident, check to make sure nobody has been seriously injured. If you or another person is injured and requires medical assistance, call 911. • Save your apologies for later: Kindness is always the right move, but in these situations a simple “Sorry I wasn’t paying attention” can later on be considered an admission of liability. • Exchange Information: Be sure to document as much information about the occupants of the other vehicles as possible. Copy all the information from their licenses, insurance cards, license plate, etc. Get the vehicle make, model, and VIN numbers. Write down as much general information about the conditions of the vehicles as possible. Don’t forget it is beneficial to get this information from every person in the car, not just the driver. • Scan the scene: There might have been witnesses to what occurred on the road. If there is anyone nearby who might’ve seen what happened, ask them for their contact information. They might be helpful towards resolving your case. • Document the Accident: It is best to keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment that contains a notepad and pen, a camera, a list of contact information for law enforcement. Take photographs or videos of the resulting injuries and car damage. The DocuDent™ Auto Accident Kit ($19.95), supported by AAA and insurance companies, offers a comprehensive kit that includes a flashlight, reusable camera and accident documentation instructions. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk. If you do not have a camera handy, use your cell phone camera to take pictures of your vehicle as well as the other party’s vehicle. The more information you are able to gather immediately following a car accident, the stronger your claim will likely be. • File an Accident Report: Call the police and file an accident report. Law enforcement officers in several locations only arrive at accident scenes if there are injuries. If a law enforcement officer will not arrive on scene, and they likely will, then get to a police station as often as possible to file a state vehicle accident report. They are also often located on the website for the Department of Motor Vehicles. If an officer does arrive on scene, you should cooperate and answer questions honestly and thoroughly. If you do need to file a personal injury lawsuit, the police accident report can play a critical role in the claim. You should not admit fault to police, your insurance provider, or other drivers involved. Insurance companies attempt to minimize any payouts related to automobile accidents. So it is best not to make any statements to insurance agents for other drivers, and to avoid any documentation with insurance companies without first hiring an experienced attorney. An insurance carrier begins their investigation begins the moment the accident occurs. It is wise to have a qualified automobile accident lawyer on your side so that someone is looking after your best interest. We can communicate with the insurance companies for you and have the resources to help document a case thoroughly in an effort to maximize the compensation you recover. If you were a driver or passenger in an automobile accident, give Dolman Law Group a call today: 727-451-6900.

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Last year a settlement was reached in a lawsuit filed by the State of Florida over 1-800-411-PAIN Referral Services.  The suit alleged false advertising, civil conspiracy, and deceptive trade practices.  The settlement resulted in the company changing its advertising and contribute $550,000 to charity. They still refer lawyers, but what lawyers and why? First, let’s [...]

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Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a therapy that is claimed by practicing practitioners to improve articular and soft tissue movement using a controlled release, myofascial (pressure point) manipulation, and mobilization while the patient is under moderate to deep sedation. The procedure allegedly breaks up scar tissue around a joint that lacks a complete range of [...]

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We’ve probably all seen cops speeding before. Sometimes they are in hot pursuit of a suspect, and other times they are just in a rush. Occasionally a police officer will turn their lights on just to get through an intersection and avoid waiting at a red light. But what happens when a police officer, in [...]

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What exactly is a personal injury mill?

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The Dangers of Mirena IUD

If you or someone you know has suffered vaginal bleeding, uterine tearing, or ectopic pregnancy following the use of the Mirena device, contact the bad drug ...

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As more and more Florida residents are trying to improve their health, many are choosing to walk or ride their bicycles to their local stores instead of using their cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Being able to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space at Publix is reason enough to...

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At any given moment across the United States, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.  Sending or receiving just one text messages takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about 4.6 seconds, which is the equivalent of a football field’s length when driving...

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Matthew Dolman, Esq.

Mattew Dolman is the principle attorney of the Dolman Law Group. He has worked on thousands of personal injury cases in Florida and prides himself on a perso...

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Don't Text and Drive

Texting while driving is a dangerous activity that many of us don't fully grasp. Clearwater Florida based personal injury attorney Matthew Dolman explains so...

Don't Text and Drive

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Common misnomers and misconceptions peddled by Laser Spine Surgeons in their efforts to procure business. In a 2009 article published by H. Gordon Deen; a Neurosurgeon with the prestigious Mayo Clinic, stated that "At Mayo Clinic we do not use or recommend laser spine surgery. Laser spine surgery has been...

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To the millions of Americans that suffer from neck and back pain, Laser Spine Surgery may seem too good to be true. Laser Spine Surgery is big business for the innumerable medical providers that perform the procedure. Marketing for the surgery boasts that it is a non-invasive, effective, and safe...

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Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys If you have been injured as a result of an automobile accident, the advice and representation of a Clearwater car accident attorney will help you navigate the complicated legal issues that are to come. At Dolman Law Group, a plaintiff law firm that focuses solely on...

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Victims Of Drunk Driving Florida Drunk Driving Victim Lawyers Florida drunk driving accidents are a tragedy as the negligent party made the willing decision to operate their automobile impaired and must be held responsible for the damage they have caused to innocent victims. Victims are often killed or sustain very...

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Mirena is a contraceptive device designed to be inserted into the uterus by a physician, where it stays implanted for up to five years. Approved by the FDA in 2000, Mirena quickly gained popularity as a contraceptive device due to the convenience of not being forced to think about...

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The Truth About 411-Pain and Lawyer Referral Services

  Just this morning I was driving in my car listening to local radio (94.1 FM) when a very bizarre advertisement was aired.   A non-attorney spokesperson for 411-Pain came on and stated the exact number of licensed members of the Florida Bar, and that “there is only one 411-Pain.”  She...

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What is Spinal Fusion? Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently join together two or more vertebrae in your spine so that there is no movement between them. It also can prevent the stretching of nerves and surrounding ligaments and muscles. This surgery is often an option when motion is the...

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, around 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year in the United States. 5,000 of these accidents result in fatalities. One out of every eight traffic fatality involves a trucking collision. Many factors can cause a dangerous truck accident. Here is a list of the...