What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

If you are involved in a car accident in Florida, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and others. You will feel overwhelmed by adrenaline and fear after a Tampa car accident. It can be difficult to make rational decisions after an auto accident. A lot of accident lawsuits for compensation are lost due to something the driver did not do. It is crucial to know what to do after a car accident in Florida. It is important to keep calm, even though it may be difficult to stay composed in these circumstances. Here are seven things to do after an accident: according to a Tampa car accident lawyer.

1. Call 911 And/or the Police

The no. 1 priority should be saving lives. Two purposes serve the 911 call. First, it’s a notification that an accident has taken place. Second, if there has been an injury or death, you can seek medical help. Even if nobody was hurt, you can call law enforcement. In most cases, Florida Highway Patrol will be able to assist in any potential lawsuit. The report will record the assessment of the police officers. The police report will include all details of the collision including the names of those involved, vehicle registrations, witness statements, and road conditions.

2. Stay on the Scene

Prematurely leaving the scene of an accident is known as a hit-and-run and can lead to serious injury or death. Even if the accident isn’t serious or there are no obvious injuries to the victim, it is better to stay longer and make an accurate assessment. As long as your physical condition allows, ensure that everyone is okay and give first aid if necessary. If someone is seriously injured, do not move them until emergency personnel arrives.

3. Take Pictures

Photos create a visual record. A driver could not take photos of a car accident that they were involved in decades ago because not everyone had a camera. All that has changed with the advent of the ubiquitous camera phone. Virtually everyone owns a smartphone with a camera, so it should not be difficult to capture the accident. 

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You should not only capture the cars, but also any injuries. Video overviews can be very valuable. Many drivers also use dash cams. These can be used to prove that a driver is not at fault in an accident or show evidence that another driver caused it. Many law enforcement officers can now download the driver’s dash camera video from the accident scene. Keep the original video card that has the dash cam video still on it.

4. Exchange Information

Contact other drivers involved in an accident to exchange information, including phone numbers, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Collect the details of any passengers who were injured. It is important to gather as much information as possible about the accident. If the case goes to court, this could be crucial.

5. Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company should be contacted as soon as possible. Regardless of whether or not you plan to seek compensation from another driver’s insurer. Insurance policies generally require that drivers involved in an accident report it to their insurer as soon as possible. This is part of the “no-fault” provision of the Florida no-fault law. Every driver of a motor vehicle that is registered in Florida must have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP).

The driver’s PIP coverage covers medical expenses and lost wages if they are involved in an accident. PIP covers the first $10,000 of medical coverage for a person, less the deductible. It comes from the operator’s policy, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP is required in Florida. It covers medical bills and lost wages only. It does not cover any damage to property that may result from an accident.

6. Take Safety Precautions

It is not uncommon for another vehicle to crash into a scene of a car accident. Accidents can be made worse by another driver not paying attention. This causes both vehicles to crash into each other, causing more damage. By ensuring that you and other drivers are not in danger from a second accident, you can reduce the chance of injury to yourself or others.

If there was no injury to anyone and the vehicles were able to drive, you can move them off the roadway. Your risk of being involved in an accident can be reduced by paying attention to the scene. Slow down, but pay attention to the drivers in front and behind you.

If the accident results in injury, death, or significant property damage, the cars must be left until law enforcement arrives. Turn on your car’s hazard lights and place triangles along the road. All persons must move off the road, regardless of whether cars are left on the road or moved.

7. Contact Your Car Accident Attorney in Tampa, FL

The most important thing to do after a car accident in Florida is to call an experienced lawyer. After an accident, the insurance companies of all the involved drivers will determine who is financially responsible. Often, the matter can be resolved by mutual agreement. Sometimes, however, the parties may wish to have the matter decided by the courts. If you think your dispute could end up in court, contact a Tampa car accident lawyer. It is important to get the best representation possible from Tampa auto accident lawyers in order to ensure you get what is yours.

Get in Touch With The Black Law Company

If you are involved in a car accident in Florida, it is important to take these steps. Don’t let a car accident turn your life upside down. The Black Law Company is here to help you navigate the complexities of car accident law in Florida. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, we’ll fight for your rights. 

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Don’t wait any longer, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

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