Car accidents can shake Florida residents right to their very cores. Although it’s easy to panic after such a harrowing experience, staying calm is best. There are a few crucial steps to take after a car crash.
Get to safety
After a motor vehicle accident, the first thing to do is get to safety. Move your vehicle out of the road if possible or get out and go to the shoulder. See if anyone is injured and needs assistance.
Call 911
Call 911 so police can arrive and an officer can create an accident report. Ask the officer for their name and badge number and how you can get a copy.
Exchange information
Don’t make conversation with the other driver, but exchange information such as names, numbers, addresses, license plate and driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Look for witnesses who saw the accident as it occurred and get their names and contact information as well. Ask for their statements and record them speaking of their accounts of the accident.
Document the scene
Take photos of the accident from multiple angles and concentrate on damages to the vehicles and skid marks on the road. Jot down some notes about the events that occurred before, during and after the collision while everything is still fresh in your mind. You may want to keep a journal about your injuries as well.
Seek medical attention
Get to the nearest emergency room and get medically evaluated. You might feel fine immediately after the accident, but some injuries don’t show symptoms until later. Adrenaline can also mask your symptoms.
Contact your insurer
Inform your insurance company of the accident. The sooner you notify your insurer, the better it is if you file a claim for damages.