7 [EASY] Steps Following A Car Accident

Car accidents are not something most people want to be in.  However, every year hundreds of thousands of people become victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, pedestrian accidents, or other accidents.  According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2016 there were almost 400,000 total accidents in Florida.  That is an increase from the number of accidents in 2015.

Hopefully you will not be involved in a car accident.  If you are there are certain things you should consider doing:

1. Move your vehicle out of the roadway if you are able to do so safely. Understanding that the crash has likely occurred on a street, road, highway or area with other vehicles on it and which could cause an additional crash, you should move your vehicle to the side of the road if you are able to do safely and without causing harm to others.  Once on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights so that other vehicles can more easily see your vehicle.
2. Check for injuries and call the police. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries and call 911.  Remember, not all injuries will be obvious.  Signs of dizziness or slurred speech may indicate a head injury.  If you suspect an injury, tell the dispatch operator.  They can then dispatch the appropriate medical personnel to the accident scene.
3. Document the scene. If you are able to do so safely, document the scene by taking photographs.  Photographs of vehicle damage, debris or marks on the roadway, and visible injuries may help you later.  Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to the crash as well as the responding officers.  Save this information in safe place that you can access later.
4. Seek immediate medical attention. If you have been injured as the result of a car crash, you should seek immediate medical attention.  The failure to do so could jeopardize important insurance benefits.  While most people think about going to a hospital first, there is no requirement that you do so.  There are many medical providers outside of the hospital system which provide excellent care.  For more information on why immediate medical attention is important, check out this blog.
5. Report the crash to your insurance company. Most insurance policies require people to report the accident to their insurance company.  Failure to do so can jeopardize important insurance benefits.
6. Contact an injury attorney. If you have been involved in accident, you are about to be inundated with calls and requests.  You have rights.  Failing to consult with an attorney before you speak with insurance companies beyond the initial crash reporting can harm your case and be unnecessary.  Don’t be taken advantage of.
7. Do not sign anything. It is not uncommon for an insurance company to bring a small check to a car accident victim’s house and ask them to sign a release.  Signing a release may cause you to give up valuable rights and forever release the at-fault driver from any further liability.  Sometimes insurance companies ask car accident victims to sign other documents.  Do not sign any documents from the insurance company before consulting with an attorney.  This practice preys on car accident victims’ lack of knowledge of the law and legal value of their case.  It is also another reason injury victims need an attorney willing to fight for them.