Were you recently involved in a car, motorcycle, truck, or even pedestrian accident on the roadway here in Florida? Even if you weren’t, it is important to know what to do if you are involved in a roadway accident. You may not be thinking straight when you get in a car accident. The shock, fear, and adrenaline can make your heart – and thoughts – race. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help ensure that if it does happen to you or a loved one, you know what steps to take.
- CALL 911
Especially if anyone has sustained any life-threatening injuries, the police need to be called. Even if nobody is seriously injured, you will want to have everyone checked out by EMS to make sure. You will also want documentation in the form of the police report, and the exchange of driver information that officers at the scene can provide.
- REMAIN AT SCENE UNTIL POLICE AND EMS ARRIVE
If you or the other driver leave the scene of the accident before officials arrive, the police will not be able to make an official report. Additionally, you want to ensure there are no hidden injuries that would be better detected by an EMS examination.
- TAKE PICTURES
Take pictures of your vehicle and the other vehicle while you wait for the police. You should also take pictures of any injuries, the generally accident scene, and if possible, the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance card.
- TAKE NOTES
If the driver mentions anything, including an admission of fault at the scene, jot it down. You may not remember it later once the adrenaline wears off. Try to limit speaking with the other person until police officers have arrived.
- SECURE WITNESS CONTACT INFO
If there were any witnesses to the auto accident you were involved in, make sure to get their contact information immediately at the scene of the crash! Witnesses may play a vital role in proving that you were not at-fault for the accident with the other driver tries to blame you for their negligence. Make sure to immediately gather any and all witness contact information such as full name, phone number, address, and even their email address.
After you have suffered an injury in a car, motorcyle, trucking, bicycle or other roadway accident, which may have caused you injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal injury or many others, it is important to contact Sammons Injury Law immediately, even if it’s just for legal advice. Give us a call locally at 813-565-1000 or toll-free at 844-75-CRASH (27274). We can assist you with all the required next steps, including making the report to your insurance company so you don’t have to, and helping you get the care you need for your injuries. It usually makes sense to speak with a lawyer before contacting your insurance company. If you have any questions or concerns about next steps in your car accident claim, contact Sammons Injury Law today. Proudly serving the state of Florida, including Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Tampa, Brandon, Gibsonton, Wimauma, Bradenton, Lakeland, Sarasota and others.