Knowing what to do after a car accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your personal injury case. Everything you say and do after a car accident can affect your compensation. The most important dos and don’ts include the following:
- Dial 9-1-1 to report the accident.
- Get prompt medical attention.
- Document everything.
- Get contact information of witnesses and parties involved.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Don’t sign insurance paperwork without an attorney.
- Don’t admit fault.
- Keep attending doctor’s appointments.
- Take notes of conversations with the insurance company.
- Don’t post on social media.
- Talk to a car accident attorney.
Our experienced Florida car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping those who need it most. We’ll investigate, gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and guide you throughout the process. We have 45 years of experience and have recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements. Call us today at (877) 245-6707, and let us go to work for you.
Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida or Georgia
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 378,437 crashes occurred in Florida in 2024. There are several steps you can take right at the scene to strengthen your claim to seek to recover maximum compensation.
Dial 9-1-1 to Report an Accident
After a car accident, the first thing to do is remain at the scene and call 911. Reporting an accident and getting an official accident report is important. You need to get started on your case as soon as possible. The police will conduct their own investigation at the scene, which will help with an insurance claim or the personal injury lawsuit process. The police will help you file an incident report, but be sure to request a copy.
Secure Your Vehicle
A car accident can have a domino effect. An immobile vehicle disrupts the flow of traffic and can cause secondary accidents. Your vehicle could leak gasoline, leading to the risk of an explosion. If possible, move your vehicle to the right shoulder and turn off the ignition. If your car is inoperable, turn on your hazard lights, but don’t turn on the ignition. Doing so could deploy the airbag and cause further injuries.
Get Prompt Medical Attention
If you or your passengers are injured, stay stationary and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Even if you only have slight pain, adrenaline may be surging, preventing you from realizing that an injury has occurred. If you don’t receive medical treatment at the scene, head to the hospital afterward to get checked out. While there, get copies of any X-rays, MRIs, or other tests and save all receipts for medical bills.
Document Everything
Pull out your phone and take as many photos and videos as possible. Take pictures from different angles, under the car, and from varying distances. For example, take pictures from three feet, five feet, and ten feet away. Your goal is to document the entire scene. If possible, take pictures of your injuries. Document the following in writing or through photo and video:
- The lane each vehicle was traveling in and their direction
- The traffic pattern at the time of the crash, such as congestion
- The time of day, making note of whether it was rush hour
- The weather at the time of the accident
- Debris in the roadway
Try to sketch a diagram of the scene just before the accident. All this information can help your attorney identify factors that contributed to your accident so you receive maximized compensation.
Collect Contact Information
Take a picture or video of the other driver’s license plate or write down the number. Obtain the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, and insurance information. If eyewitnesses are present, write down their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Eyewitnesses are crucial in piecing together what happened and building a case against the at-fault parties.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible, but only provide the necessary information. Insurance companies don’t willingly hand out money. Their business model is built on minimizing payouts and maximizing profits. Even your own insurance company will likely use what you say against you to limit your settlement.
Therefore, it’s best to speak with a qualified car accident attorney for advice on communicating with the parties involved, including your insurance company. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you’ll need to go through your insurance company first to seek compensation. When your damages exceed the policy limits, additional remedies are available under Florida law to make you whole.
Never Sign Insurance Paperwork Without an Attorney
Insurance companies often make premature settlement offers. Never agree to a settlement or sign any documents before speaking to an experienced Florida car accident attorney. When you accept a settlement, the insurance company will require you to sign a release waiving your right to pursue additional compensation.
It could take months to know the full extent of your injuries and their lifetime cost. Your attorney can determine the value of your claim and the right time to accept a settlement.
Never Admit Fault
Accidents often happen so quickly you cannot know all the facts. Don’t apologize or say that the accident was your fault. Such statements can come back to haunt you as evidence against you in a personal injury lawsuit. Always let the investigators do their jobs to piece together everything that transpired, and let your accident attorney handle communications.
Keep Attending Doctor’s Appointments
Recovering from a car accident can be a long, difficult process. Following your treatment plan can prevent complications and ensure your recovery. It also helps prove the severity of your injuries. Your medical records are the most important documentation available to prove the lifetime costs of your injuries. If you skip appointments or stop going to the doctor, the insurance company will argue that your medical care is unnecessary or your injuries aren’t severe. Such assertions will make it harder to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Take Notes of Conversations with the Insurance Company
Always rely on your attorney to handle communications with the insurance company. Don’t talk to any of its representatives without an attorney present. If you don’t have an attorney, take notes of your conversations with the insurance company. Write down the dates of the conversations, the name and title of the person you speak to, and who initiated contact. Write down everything you and the other party say in conversations.
You can also record the conversation, but remember that Florida is a two-party consent state. You’ll need to inform the representative you’re recording.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance companies monitor social media, hoping to find evidence against you. Never discuss your accident or injuries on social media. Even reassuring your friends you are okay can give the insurance company ammunition. You should also avoid discussing daily activities or posting photos until your case has been resolved. It’s normal to have good days and bad days when you’re injured, but if the insurance company catches you having a good day, it will use it to minimize your injuries and their impact.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies and trying to get everything right can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve suffered an injury. An experienced Florida car accident attorney can handle all of these details for your case so you can focus on getting better.
A Car Accident—No Matter How Big or Small—Deserves the Same Attention
Being in an accident is a traumatic experience. Knowing what to do when you get into a car accident can restore a sense of control. An attorney can relieve you of the stress of dealing with insurance companies and gathering evidence. Our dedicated car accident lawyers can provide guidance and support during this difficult time. It’s never too soon to involve an attorney.
Call us today at (877) 245-6707 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
