No one leaves home expecting to be involved in a car accident while on Florida roads. But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 400,000 South Florida car accidents in 2021 alone. It’s impossible to predict if or when you could be part of this statistic.
Car accidents can leave you with severe injuries and damages. They can be one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through in their lifetime. So it’s normal to get confused and not know what to do afterwards. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being in a South Florida car accident, it’s essential to stay calm and take the following steps.
1. Do Not Leave the Accident Scene
Whether you incur damages or not in a South Florida car accident, you should never leave the scene. You need to stop your vehicle at the scene or park it nearby if it’s blocking traffic. The law requires that you remain at the scene until the police arrive. If you leave the scene of an accident, you could be fined heavily, and you will have to pay restitution for damaged property and medical expenses. Depending on the circumstances, if the driver has a criminal record, they may also face jail or prison time.
2. Call 911
The next thing you need to do is make sure that the police are aware of the accident by calling 911. The police will arrive at the scene as soon as possible and carry out an investigation. They’ll be able to pinpoint what might have caused the accident, who’s at fault, and gather any other evidence they need. Make sure you request a copy of the accident report from the police. If you decide to file a South Florida Car Accident Claim, you will need it.
3. Get Medical Attention
Never assume that you are not injured or that your injuries are minor. It’s not uncommon for accidents that seem insignificant only to turn out to have caused victims serious injuries that they don’t realize until later. Get an examination from a doctor, whether injured or not.
Emergency personnel may often appear at the accident scene to give the victims the necessary medical attention. If there’s no emergency medical help, find a medical facility nearby and get yourself treated. Make sure you save the doctor’s report, x-rays, and any medical bills.
4. Don’t Admit Fault
The harrowing experiences of the accident might be so traumatic that you could easily get confused when asked questions. But no matter the situation, avoid saying anything that could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
Never admit fault in an accident willingly or unwillingly. Don’t let the insurance company interview you, and don’t apologize to the other driver. Apologies can be confused as an admission of a fault. Anything you say can be used against you by the insurance company during your personal injury claim.
5. Exchange Contact Info with the Other Driver
Always exchange contact information with the other drivers. This will include their name, address, contact details, and additional relevant information. But just sharing contacts is not a ticket to friendship, so don’t confuse things. You might end up saying something that can be mistaken for an apology. So, keep the conversation at a minimum.
6. Get Contact Info from Witnesses
While it can be challenging to get a willing witness to give their account, you need to try anyway. Ask the witness to tell you what they saw during the accident. Make sure you note down their names and contact details if you need some more information from them. Your witnesses could be pedestrians, passengers, or other drivers.
7. Take Pictures and Videos
Don’t forget to have your own record of the events of the accident. You need to have videos and photos to support your claim. If you can, take the videos with accompanying sound to have a clear picture of the situation. If you’re lucky, you might also report the other driver admitting to a fault, which can work in your favor.
It would help if you also took pictures as soon as possible to accompany the videos. The images can include the extent of damage to the vehicle and the injuries you incurred.
8. Avoid Sharing Pictures and Info About Your Accident on Social Media
With the rise of social media, you might be tempted to share the ordeal with your friends and followers on social media. This can be the worst mistake you can make after a South Florida car accident. Don’t talk about the accident on social media before the case is resolved. Anything you post can be used against you.
9. Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t forget to contact your insurance provider to give your account of the accident. Be honest when talking to your insurance provider, but don’t compromise on anything. The insurance will review the accident and determine who’s at fault. Refrain from making any formal statements without your lawyer present.
10. Contact a South Florida Car Accident Attorney
Working with an experienced South Florida Car Accident Attorney is the best decision you can make following a car accident. Consulting with an attorney will help you learn your next steps and what not to do so you don’t compromise any claim you plan to file.
Great attorneys will know how to negotiate, so you get the best compensation for your claim. Get a great South Florida Car Accident Lawyer at the Bodden & Bennett Law Group.
Contact us online or call (561) 806-5229 for a free case evaluation today!
