Victims of car accidents are often confused, in shock, and injured, and they often overlook many essential things in the moments after the accident occurs.
However, there are essential steps you should take after a car accident, especially if you need to file a claim or seek legal redress. It is necessary to seek the services of experienced lawyers who can help you understand your legal options to file a claim and seek compensation in the event of injury or loss resulting from the accident.
Contact Tallahassee car accident help as soon as possible after being involved in an accident, and our experienced accident attorneys will offer legal guidance on what to expect.
Learn what to do after a crash from this article.
Table of Contents
1. Seek The Necessary Emergency Medical Treatment
Calling 911 and asking for a medical evaluation for sustained injuries should be your first move following a car accident. It is critical always to get a medical evaluation even if there are no apparent wounds because you might have internal injuries that are not immediately apparent after the accident. It is important to note that in Florida, you will lose your right to No-Fault (PIP) medical benefits if you do not seek treatment for an accident within 14 days.
2. Call The Police And File A Report
Ensure that you have called the police and filled in a crash report before leaving the accident scene. Accident claims are often hinged on the crash scene report. The police report also serves as substantial evidence in subsequent accident investigations. It is not mandatory to report minor motor accidents in Florida with damages less than $500. However, to be on the safe side, ensure that you call the police to report any car accident to determine who was at fault and avoid potential lawsuits in the future.
3. Collect Valuable Information From The Scene Of The Accident
Collecting and documenting all the details you can gather from the accident scene is advisable. This information may include the following:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- The other driver’s contact, license number, and insurance details
- Any details you can remember about the other vehicle in case of a hit-run accident
- Witness account of the accident
- Injuries incurred
- Any other details you can remember from the accident
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider, report the collision, and start the claims process. A statement that conflicts with the insurance company’s investigation results could jeopardise your claim, so ensure you are truthful. Your insurance company will determine the extent of the damage and determine who was at fault.
The days immediately following the accident are crucial for your recovery. As you recover from any potential mental trauma caused by accident, you must reduce your social media interaction. Additionally, you should restrict the conversations about the incident to your immediate family, insurance company, lawyer, police, attorney, and the police.
According to the Florida crash report of 2017, on average, 1,098 car accidents occur daily. The Florida Crash dashboard indicated 3,737 fatalities from the crashes and 252,973 injuries from all accidents in 2021. Therefore, you must know what to do if you are involved in a car accident.
We understand the post-accident journey is difficult. Contact us as soon as you are involved in an accident, and we will offer guidance and support every step of the way.