What To Do If You Are Injured In a Red Light Accident

Sitting at a red light should not be a frightening experience. Yet, in many areas of Miami, it is impossible to feel safe due to the speed and carelessness of other drivers. Knowing what to do if you are hurt in a red light accident lets you get the support you need immediately.

At ABOGADAS305, our personal injury lawyers in Miami are available to provide you with guidance on your rights. Here is what you should do in the ideal situation.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health is your priority, and as a result, your first goal should be to turn to a medical provider. In an emergency, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Follow the dispatcher’s directions on getting care.

Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical attention at a local hospital or urgent care center. That will allow you to minimize the risk of unknown injuries, such as internal injuries or whiplash, from worsening. Injuries from red light accidents may be only internal but can be serious. Some also can develop over the next few hours or days.

Call the Police

If you have not done so, call the police right away after a red light accident. Even if it seems like a minor fender bender, you want to ensure the details of this incident are properly recorded by the police. Doing so will create an official record of the incident.

Later, should you have any injuries or other losses, the evidence and details provided in the police report can prove to be critical to proving your losses. Without a police report, the other party may claim anything, and that means you may not be able to verify the details of what occurred, who was at fault, or what your losses are.

Document the Scene

Take the time to document everything you can about the scene of the accident. Doing so protects later while ensuring that all potential evidence to verify your claim is available. To document the scene, take photos and videos of:

• The accident itself
• Damage to both vehicles
• Road conditions at the time of the accident
• Surrounding area video to show the entire layout of the area
• Visible injuries you or the other party has

You will also want to capture witness information. Though you cannot force a witness to provide their information, most will be more than happy to do so. If so, ask for their name and phone number so that the police can contact them later if it is necessary. The details of what they saw may not be something they can remember now, but they will be in the future.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Everything you say at the time of the accident could be used later. For that reason, you want to be sure you are not admitting fault, even in a simple way. For example, if you say, “I’m sorry, I did not see you,” you may be implying that you were not paying attention to the roadway. That can work against you in any of these types of car accidents.

When possible, only provide facts to anyone who is asking. For example, you should only state what you saw and experienced. Do not speculate on what might have been offered or the details of what you were doing that are not directly related to the accident.

Avoid admitting fault to the other driver or to the police when they arrive. Later, when the insurance company wants details, keep the information short and to the point. In serious cases of a red light accident, let your attorney handle the questions for you, especially if you have complex car accident injuries.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have car accident injuries, serious damage to your vehicle, missing time at work, and other losses, it is best to seek the help of a car accident attorney. Do not simply file a traffic accident claim without having the information and resources necessary to prove your losses and recover your damages.

Car accident claims in Miami, including those related to a red light accident, can quickly become complex if serious injuries and losses occur. Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal complexities of the claim, including providing you with:

• Insight into who might be at fault
• Details on whether you should file a claim with your insurance provider or the at-fault party
• How to seek additional compensation for extensive losses

Even if you find that you are partially to blame for the accident, you may still have the ability to file a claim. To do so, you will need to be aggressive in working with an attorney who will guide you through the process.

Follow Up on Medical Care

Medical attention after a car accident does not stop after that initial appointment. Rather, you need to seek additional support as directed. For example, if you go to the emergency room after the accident, and they recommend seeing your primary care doctor within the next 24 hours, do so. Complete any recommended treatment and physical rehabilitation as well. You want to demonstrate that you are doing everything you can.

File an Insurance Claim

Ultimately, you may be able to file an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. You will need to alert them to the accident and make a statement. Your attorney can help you navigate this process to reduce some of the risks involved. Do not settle your claim until you are confident you identified all of the losses you have and carefully outlined any ongoing losses you may experience.

Set Up a Free Consultation with an Attorney Who Can Help You

At ABOGADAS305, our personal injury lawyers in Miami can help you navigate your red light accident claim. Seek out care for yourself, and then allow our team to provide you with a free consultation to discuss your losses. Call 1-877-305-3055 now to discuss your case with our team.

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