What to do when involved in a Car Accident
Car accidents are unfortunate, and they can happen to you whether it was your fault or someone else’s. When you are involved in a car accident, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your interests. What you do next will also determine your ability to secure compensation. Here are a few steps to follow after you are involved in a car accident in Florida.
Stop
It is illegal to drive away from an accident scene, and it could lead to criminal charges. Turn off the engine and switch the hazard lights on. This can help to prevent further accidents, especially if it is dark.
Check for any Injuries
Check for any injuries to yourself or other passengers in your car. If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention or call an ambulance. According to the Personal Injury Protection legislation in Florida, all drives are required to carry insurance to cover injuries sustained in car accidents.
Contact the Police
It is important to get a legal accident report, even if it is a minor accident. Calling the police is crucial, especially if the other diver(s) leave the accident scene without giving details or you suspect the other driver deliberately caused the collision. If you suspect the other driver is under the influence of drugs or has no insurance cover, you should call the police and note this.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
The law requires you to share your name and address with the other driver if the accident caused injury or damage. You can also exchange insurance information and take down information regarding any other passengers and witnesses to the accident.
If the driver of the other car is not the owner, try to find out the owner and get their information even if it is a company car. If the accident involves a foreign truck, get the information on the truck, trailer, and the company.
Take Pictures
Pictures of the accident scene can offer valuable evidence of negligence by the other driver. Ensure that you take these photos as soon as you can to capture the scene of the crash accurately. Focus on the extent of the damage of both vehicles and injuries incurred by you or any passengers.
You can record other essential things at the accident scene, including the crash time and date, any injuries, names and contact information of any witnesses, driving conditions, including road conditions and weather. You can also record the make, model, color, and registration number of the vehicles in the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
After the accident, you can contact your car insurance company or you can wait and allow us to contact them for you. The information you need will be your policy number, license plate number of the cars involved, driver’s name, address and phone number of the driver, and their insurance details if you have them.
Ensure you consult with your Orlando car accident attorneys before making any formal statements. Central Florida minor car accident attorneys will guide you through the process.
Keep the details of the accident between you and your Orlando car accident lawyer, and avoid posting anything on social media. This information can and will be used against you.
If you sustained any injuries, keep monitoring your situation for any complications that may arise after the accident. All the details are crucial, even the ones that seem insignificant.
Seek Legal Counsel
Get in touch with your Orlando car accident attorney for legal representation. This is important, especially if you sustained any injuries at the scene of the accident. If the accident was minor, your Orlando minor car accident attorneys can help through every step of the legal process. For catastrophic accidents, you need to contact your Orlando catastrophic car accident attorneys.
Blevins & Adams Law Group is a highly rated law firm in Central Florida. We are Central Florida car accident attorneys and offer the lowest fees in Central Florida. Contact us today and allow us to you with the highest level of professional service.