After you get into a car accident in Florida, knowing what steps you need to take can protect your right to seek financial recovery for your injuries and losses. Things you should do immediately following a crash include:
Check on Everyone’s Safety and Call 911
First, you should check yourself, your passengers, and the occupant(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident to see if anyone has suffered injuries or requires medical assistance. If someone has suffered visible injuries, appears in distress, or asks for medical attention, call 911. Otherwise, you can contact local police or the Florida Highway Patrol directly to report the accident if no one has suffered injuries or requires medical assistance. Reporting the accident to the police will create a record of the crash via a police accident report when an officer comes to the scene to investigate.
Exchange Information
Remember to exchange contact, license, vehicle registration, and insurance information with each of the drivers involved in the accident. This information can help you pursue claims for injuries or property damage you sustained in the crash. However, when exchanging information, remain calm and polite and refrain from accusing the other driver(s) of causing the accident. You should also refrain from discussing or admitting fault or offering an apology, which the other driver may consider an admission of fault. Finally, note the make/model/color and license plate numbers of each of the vehicles involved in the accident.
Document the Scene
Use your cell phone to take photos and videos of the accident, including details such as:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks on the road
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Visual obstructions
- Visible injuries you suffered
You can also use your phone to note contact information for any eyewitnesses to the crash, as you may need to contact them later for a statement or testimony for your car accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek prompt medical attention after a car accident, even if you decline treatment at the crash scene or do not feel pain or other symptoms of injuries. Many car accident injuries take days to begin manifesting pain or other symptoms. However, doctors can diagnose many car accident injuries in a physical examination. Diagnosing your injuries as soon as possible after a crash can help link those injuries to the accident, allowing you to strengthen your claim in case the insurance company or the other driver argues that your injuries had another cause. Finally, you should remember to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery instructions.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
You should also contact your auto insurance provider as soon as possible to report the car accident and file a personal injury protection claim if you suffered injuries in the crash. Your insurance policy may require you to report an accident within a specific period, so contacting your insurer soon after a collision can preserve your right to coverage under your policy, including PIP or optional collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, you should remain careful about what you say to the insurance company – stick to the facts as you remember them when discussing the accident with an adjuster.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney
Finally, contact a Florida car accident lawyer from Hutch Firm as soon as possible after the crash to discuss the details of the accident and learn more about your legal options. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to see how our firm can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve for your medical bills, lost income, car damage, and pain and suffering from your injuries.