Car Accidents
Each year, thousands of car accidents occur in Puerto Rico. Nearly half of these car accidents result in personal injury and property damage. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, you know it is both a physical and financial burden. Being a victim of a car accident can become even worse when insurance companies offer an offensively small settlement to cover your losses.
If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident involving a negligent driver, Puerto Rico law provides so that you can recover your losses, including financial compensation for such things as permanent physical impairment, disfiguration, mental anguish, pain & suffering reimbursement for medical costs and expenses (hospital bills, treatment, therapy, equipment), your lost income, among other recoverable financial compensation. If the accident victim has died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident, the accident victim’s family as well as the victim’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit against those who are responsible for the accident. Family members can recover for their loss, including financial compensation for such things mental anguish, lost income, among other recoverable financial compensation.
FEW BASIC RULES TO REMEMBER AFTER SUSTAINING A CAR ACCIDENT:
In the aftermath of a car accident, always try to remain as calm as possible. There are things you can do to help maximize the outcome of your financial recovery, including:
- a. Call the police immediately and have them draft an Incident Report. Be sure to tell the police, paramedics and emergency room doctor about anything that may be hurting, be honest and specific. Don’t overstate or understate your injuries.
- b. If you were injured and were taken to a hospital, be sure that at the earliest as possible, you contact the police to give your statement as how the accident occurred.
- c. Insist that an Accident/Incident Report be filed with the Police. Get an incident report number at such time.
- d. Document as much as you can about the accident or injury itself. Every detail is important.
- e. Talk to no one about the accident or injuries other than your attorney or physician. You especially do not want to speak with an insurance adjuster. When in doubt, our firms attorneys will be happy to assist you.
- f. Preserve as much evidence as possible. Be sure to take photos, if possible, or have someone take photos of the accident scene, including any visible injuries and the vehicles involved. Preserve all photos and evidence.
- g. Get the contact information of all the parties involved and if possible, information about their insurance company.
- h. Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident who may be able to help prove your case, including the badge number and precinct of the officer that appeared at the accident.
- i. Immediately seek medical attention following a car accident. Be sure to explain to your doctor how the injuries occurred. Mention any sensations of disorientation, confusion, memory lapses, or other conditions you have sustained. Again, don’t overstate or understate your injuries.
Since 1997, our law firm has been helping the injured and their families receive just compensation for all their losses, including physical injuries, property damage, medical treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, among other recoverable damages. If you have suffered an accident, as a general rule under Puerto Rico law, the injured has a one year statute of limitations that can be interrupted as provided by law. Personal injury actions of minors, have a different statute of limitations. If you have suffered an accident in Puerto Rico or if you have any further questions on Puerto Rico's Personal Injury Statutes, and would like to contact a Puerto Rico accident attorney, feel free to contact us.