What to Do After a Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident can help protect your rights, ensure your safety, and strengthen any potential legal claims. Free consultation!

What to Do After a Car Accident

Following the right steps after a car crash, such as seeking medical attention and documenting the scene, can be crucial for both insurance claims and legal proceedings.

A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can help protect your rights, ensure your safety, and strengthen any potential legal claims. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

The first priority after an accident is safety. Check yourself, passengers, and others involved for injuries. If there are any injuries, or if there is significant vehicle damage, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, getting medical help is crucial, as some symptoms may appear hours or days later (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

2. Move to a Safe Location

If it is safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further collisions. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or warning triangles if available. However, if the accident is severe or there are serious injuries, leave the vehicles where they are and wait for emergency responders (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023).

3. Call the Police

In Florida, drivers are legally required to report accidents involving injuries, deaths, or significant property damage (Florida Statutes, Section 316.065). A police report can serve as crucial evidence in legal and insurance matters.

4. Exchange Information

Obtain the following information from all drivers involved:

Name, address, and contact information

Driver’s license number

Vehicle registration details

Insurance provider and policy number

Also, collect contact information from witnesses. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later (Insurance Information Institute, 2023).

5. Document the Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. These can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s wise to get a medical evaluation. Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requires accident victims to seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for coverage (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2023).

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide factual details, but avoid speculating about fault. Insurance companies may use statements against you to minimize payouts.

8. Consult a Car Accident Attorney

If you suffer injuries or property damage, consulting an attorney can help protect your rights. A lawyer can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

9. Keep Records of All Expenses

Being prepared and knowing what to do after a car accident can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida and need legal assistance, our firm is here to help.

Related: Learn About Car Accident Compensation in Florida