FAQ

The aftermath of an auto accident is disorienting for most people. At Law Office of Modoline Altenor, P.A., we take seriously our educational role with our potential clients, existing clients and members of our communities. I am attorney Modoline Altenor, the owner of this firm. My staff and I let people know that we stand on the side of justice and recovery for the injured.

Based On Our Experience, We Offer Advice For People Injured In Accidents

The following recommendations are our general advice about what to do and not do after a car accident.

1. Help yourself and anyone else who was injured as you are able. Move your car out of the lanes of traffic if possible and if not, put out flares to prevent a second collision.
2. Be cautious and intentional in initial communications. Do tell first responders and your insurance company the basics of what happened so they can help you. Do not submit to lengthy questioning by any investigator before you have legal counsel.
3. Gather evidence while it is fresh and available. Take pictures, get eyewitnesses’ contact information and record details about the road conditions and other pertinent observations such as the placement of signs.
4. Learn about auto insurance laws in Florida. Ask an attorney about personal injury protection (PIP) and its impact on your case.
5. Take stock of special circumstances such as when an accident was a hit and run, when another driver is uninsured or when an investigation determines that another driver was distracted by a cellphone at the time of a crash.
6. Get a prompt medical evaluation if you were injured or even if you may have been injured at all. Keep track of all interactions with health care providers, including bills and doctor visits. As much as possible, follow your doctors’ orders and advice.
7. Keep a log of all expenses that you and your immediate family members incur as you receive medical treatments, medications and therapies.
8. Watch out for potential insurance complications such as subrogation or clawbacks. For example, if your personal health insurance pays for your treatments, that insurer may later try to take a portion of your personal injury settlement or verdict.
9. Beware the hazards of social media and “too much information” (TMI). Many people have unknowingly harmed the outcomes of their accidental injury claims after posting details about their accidents on CaringBridge, Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets or telling friends and families things that they should only discuss with an attorney.
10. If your injuries are serious, your expenses may soon be overwhelming and stakes will be high. You need quality legal counsel for guidance and protection.