Fact: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety, there were 398, 836 car crashes on Florida roads in 2017.
Immediately following an accident, the shock, possible pain, and heightened emotions of those involved can conspire to overwhelm even the best of us. But familiarizing yourself with a simple plan of action now can help to save you unnecessary trouble in the moment.
Check for Injuries and Move Out of Danger
Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone in your vehicle has sustained injury, call 911 immediately. If the injury appears grave or affects the back, neck, or head, do not attempt to move them.
If you can move your car off the road, pull off to the side to keep the road clear and avoid subsequent collisions.
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the car(s) before you move them.
2) Call The Police
Place the call to police and if necessary, 911. Even a minor accident should be reported, and a report filed. You will need the report for any insurance claim, and you may need to protect yourself from a claim against you at some point.
Do not leave the scene until the police officer gets your statement and tells you that it is okay to go.
Remember to write down the name of the officer that took the report should you need it later.
3) Exchange Information
While waiting for police, exchange information with the other driver(s), including all insurance information, names, phone numbers, home addresses, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN).
Please Note: It is a criminal offense to leave the scene of a car accident. If any party to the crash attempts to leave, do not try to stop them, but do try to get the license plate number and make/model/photo of the car to give to the authorities.
4) Document the Scene
Smartphones make documenting the scene of the accident easier than it has ever been. Take photos of the car, the surroundings, damages to other vehicles, any injuries, or any other detail that may affect the accident report and your liability (a large pothole, or an animal which ran out in front of you).
You may also wish to ask any eyewitnesses for their names and contact numbers if they are willing to speak with authorities about their observations.
5) Only Speak with Police & Lawyers
You may wish to check on the well-being of others involved in the car accident; however, do not discuss what happened or who was at fault. The moments immediately following an accident are chaotic and confusing, and you do not want to have your recollection of what happened tainted by what other people say, nor to be intimidated in any way.
If you have an attorney, call them while you wait for the authorities, and they can advise you s to how to proceed. If not, be sure to call an attorney as soon as possible to relay evidence, provide insurance information, and go over a strategy to protect you and your family from any lawsuits or claims that may occur.
In short, after making sure you and your passengers are safe and calling the authorities, document as much as you can and call a Sarasota, Florida auto accident attorney as soon as possible. These simple proactive measures may save you a lot of money and legal trouble down the road.
