Car accidents are quick and unexpected. Regardless of the type of car accident you’re involved in, it can be very scary and confusing. If you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident you could be dealing with a lot of pain and a whole lot of questions. We’ve broken down the 8 steps you want to take if you’re involved in an unfortunate accident.
- Stay where you are. Even if you think you are completely or partially at fault, you need to stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident or failing to report it can lead to serious consequences for you. If you are in the middle of the road and can pull to the side to protect yourself from moving vehicles, please do so.
- Check for injuries. Check yourself and all other passengers in your vehicle for injuries. Florida law requires you to offer help or call 911 on behalf of injured people. The above-mentioned and forthcoming steps are all things you should do if you are not seriously injured. If you have been seriously injured and are suffering, we want you to stay put and try not to move until emergency services arrive to help.
- Call 911. Florida law states that you are required to report an accident to the police immediately if a death or injury has occurred. Even if there are no injuries, it’s important to protect yourself and report the accident. You are also legally obligated to report an accident involving a hit and run, an impaired driver, or property damage that exceeds $500.
- Take photos and videos. Take photos and videos of everything you can. Your injuries before and after any surgeries, the damage that was done to your property, and the scene of the accident. I always tell my clients that I’d rather have a 10-minute video of you showing me every single detail of what happened, who was there, what the weather condition was, and whatever else you can catch on camera than you send me two photos. The more detail, the better to preserve information and hold for the case.
- Exchange information from other parties involved & witness information. Florida law states that drivers involved in accidents that involve death, injury, or property damage must give the other parties their information such as name, address, vehicle registration number, insurance, and license information. If there are any witnesses to your car accident, you will want to collect their names and contact information. If you filed an accident report, the information might be recorded, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Get medical treatment. Sometimes the adrenaline is still running after a motor vehicle crash and your injuries are not apparent. If you feel any discomfort, you should seek medical treatment and be looked over by a medical professional. The sooner the better when it comes to your health!
- Contact your insurer. After collecting as much information as possible, you will want to call your insurance company and provide them with details of the accident. If the other party’s insurance company calls you and asks for a statement, you do not have to answer them. You have the right to tell them that they will need to go through your attorney. This leads to the next step…
- Call Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney. Regardless of the size of the car accident, getting a free consultation with a car accident attorney can help you figure out your next steps, what your options are, and how to take on the bills and damages.
Get Legal Help from a Stuart Car Accident Lawyer
Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney has been helping residents of the Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie, and Okeechobee for more than 40 years. With a dedicated staff, each person who calls into the office will speak with an employee who has walked someone through your situation before. You’ll speak with our attorney firsthand, and we’ll help you get the compensation you or your loved one deserves.
