What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide from the Law Offices of David L. Rich, P.A.

Being in a car accident can be a terrifying and disorienting experience. In the chaos of the moment, it’s easy to forget what you need to do to protect yourself and your legal rights. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step plan for anyone involved in a car crash in Florida.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety & Call 911

First and foremost, your safety and the safety of others are the top priority.

• Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area away from oncoming traffic. If not, turn on your hazard lights.
• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Call 911: Immediately call emergency services. This is crucial even if the accident seems minor. The police report created by the responding officer will be a critical piece of evidence for any future insurance or legal claims.

Step 2: Exchange Information, but Do Not Admit Fault

Once the scene is secure, you need to collect information from the other driver. However, be very careful with what you say.

• Collect vital information: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. Also, get their driver’s license number and license plate number.
• Do not admit fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or “it was my fault,” even if you think you were partly to blame. This can be used against you later by insurance companies. Florida’s “modified comparative negligence” law means that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Admitting fault could jeopardize your claim.
• Avoid small talk: Keep your conversation with the other driver brief and focused on exchanging information.

Step 3: Document the Scene Thoroughly

Evidence can disappear quickly. The more you document at the scene, the better.

• Take photos and videos: Use your phone to take pictures of everything: the damage to both vehicles, the license plates, and any skid marks, road signs, or relevant landmarks.
• Gather witness information: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Witness testimony can be invaluable if there’s a dispute over what happened.
• Note the location: Be aware of the exact location of the accident, including the street names, intersection, and city.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Symptoms

Even if you don’t feel hurt at the crash scene, get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

• Many injuries have delayed symptoms: Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often don’t show up for hours or even days after an accident.
• Create a record: Seeing a doctor creates an official medical record of your injuries, linking them directly to the accident. This documentation is essential for your personal injury claim.

Step 5: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Before the Insurance Company

The first call you make after leaving the accident scene (and speaking to a doctor) should be to a personal injury attorney. 

• Insurance companies are not on your side: The goal of an insurance adjuster is to pay out as little as possible. They may try to get you to make a recorded statement that can be used against you.
• Protect your rights: An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you don’t accidentally say anything that could harm your case.
• Navigate new laws: Florida’s new laws have shortened the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims from four years to just two years. A lawyer will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, so you don’t lose your right to compensation.

By following these five steps, you can navigate the difficult moments after a car accident with confidence and protect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

The Law Offices of David L. Rich, P.A. are here to help during this time. Contact us immediately and we can help you through this process. 

Call 954-972-1800 to reach our associates and get the help you need.