What to Do in Fort Lauderdale Following a Car Accident
As a car accident lawyer in the Fort Lauderdale area, we advise accident victims to follow these steps to protect themselves and their right to fair compensation. It should be prefaced that you should only perform these steps if your injuries permit you. Do not place yourself in a position to cause yourself further harm or injury.
Check for Injuries After the Car Accident
Following a collision with another motor vehicle, check yourself for any injuries. If you can, check the status of any passengers in your car and the condition of the other driver.
Move to a Safe Location
If it is possible, move your car out of traffic and to the side of the road. Try to avoid blocking traffic. If it’s not possible to move the car, you should move to a safe position.
If you have access to them, you can secure the accident scene by turning on your car’s hazard lights, setting caution cones, and lighting road flares. The goal is to make yourself as visible as possible.
Do not leave the accident scene.
Call the Police
Once you have assessed injuries and moved to a safe location, call 911. Let the operator know what has happened and if anyone is injured.
When the police arrive, they will ask for information from you and the other driver. Comply with their requests and do not give your opinion or admit to fault. Stick with just the facts as you know them. In turn, you can ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and case number. The police report that the officer generates can be a crucial piece of evidence when you file your claim for compensation.
Keep in mind that you must report any car accident that causes $500 worth of property damage or results in injuries or death per Florida Statutes § 316.065.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver and Any Witnesses
While you wait for the police to arrive, you can start collecting information for your subsequent insurance claim. You and the other driver can exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, you can ask for statements and contact information from them, too. The police report should also include this information.
Again, when speaking with the other driver or others at the accident scene, avoid discussing fault.
Document Everything Related to the Car Accident
Starting right after the accident, you should begin documenting everything you can. Jot down some notes on what you remember. As you recover, you may remember more details. Record them as you think of them. Additionally, you can:
Photograph Everything You See
Take photos or videos of the accident scene with your cellphone. Record images that show the cars involved, license plate numbers, and the damage to both vehicles. Include images of road signs and conditions. If possible, you could also include images of injuries from the time of the accident, after initial medical care, and periodically as you recover.
In addition to your own photos and videos, make a note if there were any dashcams, business surveillance, and traffic cameras that could have caught the accident.
Keep a Journal of Your Recovery
Building upon your initial accident notes, document your entire recovery. Record your medical care and how you are progressing through it. With your journal, keep any receipts, reports, and documents related to the accident.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Whether you see a doctor in the ER or your private doctor, have them perform a full check-up on you. Don’t assume that you are fine. You could have obscured or internal injuries that may become present after the adrenaline wears off. Also, don’t skip any treatments or appointments your doctor prescribes. Failing to follow your doctor’s orders could be used by the insurance companies to undervalue or deny your claim.
Also, keep in mind that you only have 14 days to see your doctor. If you do not see your doctor in that time, your insurance company could deny your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, per Florida Statutes § 627.736.
Notify Your Insurance Company That You Have Been in a Car Accident
When you speak with your insurance company, you should follow the same protocols as speaking with the police. Stick with just the facts. Let them know where the accident took place, the direction you were traveling, if you were injured, and what you remember. Don’t give opinions, say you’re sorry, or admit fault.
You should also avoid making any posts on social media for the time being. The insurance company can use your comments and posts against you.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
If you have been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, call (954) 633-8270 for a free case consultation. We can discuss your case with you and help you build a claim for compensation to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our fort lauderdale personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you. Contact us today.
