What To Do After a Car Accident
The moments following a car accident can be fraught with chaos and confusion. Adrenaline surges through your body, often masking pain and clouding judgment. The following is a list of things to do after a car accident. Try to keep a copy of these steps in your phone or glove box so you don’t have to recall them from memory.
1. Get to Safety
The initial and most crucial step following a car accident is for you and any passengers to get to safety as soon as possible. If your vehicle is in a position that poses a risk and can be moved, communicate with the other driver that you will be moving your car out of the way. However, when moving your vehicle isn’t possible, turning on your hazard lights is the best course of action.
2. Assess Injuries of Yourself and Others
Once you and any passengers are in a safe location, take a moment to thoroughly assess for any injuries. The rush of adrenaline that comes with a car accident can often mask pain, making it crucial to check yourself and others carefully for any signs of injury. All injured parties should limit movement as much as possible to prevent further damage.
3. Call 911
Now that you have an understanding of the situation, it’s a good time to call 911. Before your call, communicate with the other driver that you are calling the authorities and relay any information you receive. The police will help facilitate the situation and document the accident for insurance claims and legal proceedings. If you don’t get immediate medical attention, seek help within 14 days.
4. Exchange Information With Other Involved Parties
By law, you are required to exchange your insurance information with the other driver(s) in Florida. While it’s not legally mandated to share more information, you can always provide your name, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and any other information you deem necessary. If someone involved in a car accident does not provide their insurance information and leaves the scene, it can be deemed a hit-and-run.
5. Document the Scene
Documenting the scene of your accident is important for legal and insurance purposes. Try to get as much detail as possible, including photos of the vehicles involved and any visible injuries sustained. Having this information readily available can help your attorney build a strong case for your compensation. The longer you wait to remember the events leading up to the crash, the more likely you are to forget them. Each piece of documentation can help you secure more compensation from your insurance company.
6. Gather Witness Information
If there are people who saw the accident occur, it’s important to approach them calmly and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement about what they observed. Witnesses can offer an unbiased perspective on the events surrounding the crash. Make sure to gather their names and contact numbers in case your insurance company or authorities want to contact them.
7. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Who Serves Pinellas County
Reaching out to a car accident lawyer who serves Pinellas County is crucial for sorting through the local laws and regulations after a vehicular accident. An attorney specializing in this area is familiar with the ins and outs of the legal system, making sure your case is in good hands.
8. Follow Up on All Medical Recommendations
Following up on all medical recommendations after an accident is not just about immediate relief; it’s a crucial step for your long-term health and well-being. In the aftermath of a collision, injuries that seem minor can evolve into serious, chronic issues if not properly addressed. Stick to medical advice and attend follow-up appointments so healthcare professionals can monitor your recovery.
9. Get a Copy of Your Police Report
Obtaining a copy of the police report is a vital step after a car accident. This document serves as an official record of the incident, detailing what happened and who was involved. Not only does it offer a neutral account of the events, but it also helps clarify any discrepancies that might arise between the parties involved.