Auto accidents can be devastating for those involved.  Victims of auto accidents can suffer any number of  injuries, ranging in severity from broken bones, herniated discs and other common injuries listed on our website to catastrophic injuries, such as paralysis, brain and spinal cord injuries or even death.  The attorneys at the Law Offices of Christopher Ligori & Associates represent victims of auto accidents with a combined experience of over 40 years. They have tried over 150 cases to verdict and are well known in the legal field as aggressive, highly intelligent and highly experienced counsel.

Based on the high rate of auto accidents in Florida, your chances of being involved in at least one accident during your lifetime are quite high. Auto and motorcycle accidents are responsible for over 40,000 deaths in the United States each year, and injuries multiply even more when also taking into account those who are victims of other people’s negligence. Accidents can have enormous impact on the lives of not just the people who are injured, but on the lives of their family members, as well.

Here are some important things to do if you are involved in an auto accident:

1. Call the police immediately, even if no one was injured, and file an accident report. Auto/motorcycle accident reports are necessary to help determine fault and identify names and addresses of witnesses and parties involved.
2. Make sure that the report is thorough and complete. The report should include interviews with all parties and witnesses as well as  diagrams of the auto accident scene.
3. Take pictures of the property damage . This single step is critical in the process of gathering as much information as possible about the auto accident. Remember: a picture is worth a thousand words.
4. Gather the names and phone numbers of all auto accident witnesses, as the police officer may not have time to do so.   Types of injuries suffered in auto accidents may include whiplash, head and brain injury, paralysis, neck and back pain, ruptured disks, and injuries to the elbows, shoulders, wrists, ankles and knees.  This is not a complete list but reflects some of the most common types of injuries suffered in auto/motorcycle accidents.
5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Any claims you may have for damages resulting from your injuries depend on the medical records linking the auto accident to those injuries.  The more time that lapses between the  accident and your treatment, the more difficult it is to prove a connection. Getting to a doctor within a week of the accident is standard.
6. Call an attorney before you speak to any insurance adjuster, even if it is your own insurance company.  Often, your  insurance company may not be looking out for your best interests and instead place priority on profit over people. This advice also applies to interaction with the insurance provider of the party at fault. Your attorney will also answer your questions about how to get your medical bills paid and your car or truck repaired.