Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Car accidents in Homestead are not the only way to suffer serious injuries. Thieves and criminals do look to cars for their crimes and in some cases innocent drivers and passengers get injured.
Carjacking
Carjacking can involve assault, weapons, and verbal threats. It can deprive you of your car but can also lead to physical injuries. To prevent carjacking, always:
- Keep your windows and doors locked when driving
- Drive to a well-lit and safe area such as a gas station or police station if your vehicle suffers a malfunction
- Lock bags and expensive items such as laptops in your trunk instead of keeping them in sight
- Avoid picking up hitchhikers
- Be ready to drive off if someone suspicious approaches your vehicle
- Avoid driving in areas which are isolated or high in crime, especially at night
- Park in safe areas which are well-lit or use valet parking
- When stopping at lights or intersections, leave yourself enough space to drive away if you need to
- Stop at gas stations in lower-crime areas and in well-lit stations with attendants
On-Purpose Accidents
In some cases, drivers cause an accident to make a fraudulent car accident claim. In other cases, people crash into a car or try to force a vehicle off the road in order to rob or harm passengers. To avoid on-purpose car accidents drive defensively and keep a look-out for motorists acting suspiciously.
If you notice someone following you or driving too closely or aggressively, drive to a police station. If you cannot, drive to a well-lit public area where you can get help. Call for help from your phone and keep your doors and windows locked.
If you are in an accident which you feel is suspicious, do not stop and get out of the car. Drive to a police station for help and try to remember the car’s vehicle number or other details so you can report the crime.
Theft
There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of car theft:
- Always lock your doors and windows and take your keys when you leave your car, even if you’re just leaving your vehicle for a few minutes
- Get antitheft devices for your car
- Park in locked and supervised parking areas where possible or in well-lit areas
- Etch your VIN (vehicle identification number) into your windows, making it harder for thieves to steal your car
What to Do
Take all possible steps to prevent car crimes. If you are the victim of a carjacking or theft, give up the car and do all you can to prevent injury to yourself. Your vehicle is replaceable—you are not.
As soon as possible after the incident, report the crime to police and follow up to see if the perpetrators have been caught. If there is any chance you have been injured, visit a hospital or clinic to get documentation and medical help. Write down what you remember as soon as possible and contact your insurance company.
If you have been the victim of a car crime, you may also want to contact a car accident attorney in Hollywood or your community. Your attorney can help you with your insurance company and can help you pursue any perpetrators or any liable parties. For example, if you were injured in a carjacking which took place in a parking lot, the owner of the lot may be liable if they did not properly supervise or light the area, leading to your injuries.
To determine whether you have a claim, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood car accident attorney.