The state of Florida is home to over 15.5 million licensed drivers! It comes in just under California and Texas.
While that’s pretty impressive, it also means there’s the potential for many accidents on the roadways. With thousands of accidents occurring each day throughout the state, you must know what to do if you are involved in this situation.
A good step to take after a car accident is to call the attorneys at Florida Accident & Injury for help. Besides contacting an attorney, be sure to do the following to protect yourself and your rights after a car accident.
1. Contact the Authorities
After a car accident, you may be in shock. This “numb” feeling may make it impossible to tell if you were hurt and make you confused, unsure of what to do first.
While this is a common scenario, when you can, contact the authorities. You need to get the police and EMS on site as soon as you can.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you or people in your car are injured, stay in place and wait for emergency services to arrive. Even if you only feel slight pain, you should be checked out.
For those who don’t get medical treatment at the scene, go to the ER or your doctor for an evaluation. Never assume you are fine. The adrenaline pumping through your system may mask minor and more serious injuries.
3. Ask for Witness Contact Information
While the authorities will gather information from witnesses, if you can, you should as well. Having the information is beneficial if you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
4. Write Down Everything You Can Remember about the Accident
As you wait for the authorities to arrive on the scene, write down everything you can remember about the accident. This includes which way you were traveling, traffic signs or lights, your speed, and more.
The more time that passes, the harder it may be to remember this information.
5. Take Pictures
Along with writing down what you can remember about the accident, take pictures, too. Photographic evidence of your vehicle, the other party’s vehicle, and road conditions can prove beneficial in this type of case.
6. Request a Copy of the Incident Report
The police report will be given to the FLHSMV. You may have to wait a few weeks to receive a copy of the report, sobe sure to request one.
Your attorney will need it if you file a lawsuit against the other party.
7. Contact Your Insurance Provider
You should contact your car insurance provider as soon as possible after being involved in an accident. They need to begin the claims process right away.
8. Don’t Sign or Say Anything to the Other Party’s Insurance Provider
If the other person is at-fault, their insurance company may try to convince you to sign or agree to a quick settlement. Usually, this is done to reduce what they must pay you. Avoid signing or saying anything until you have spoken to your attorney.
9. Don’t Apologize at the Scene
If you apologize, it can be taken as an admission of fault. It is best to keep things professional and minimize the conversations you have with people at the scene.
10. Avoid Social Media
Try to avoid posting anything about the situation or accident on social media until the case is settled. This will help ensure the other party doesn’t find something they can use against you.
If You Need Help with Your Car Accident Case Contact Us
At Florida Accident & Injury, we are here to help you with your car accident case. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.
