In the Event of a Car Accident, What Information Should Be Shared?
In the event of a car accident, you should exchange names and contact information with the other driver. The Insurance Information Institute (III) also recommends that you take record of their insurance information, so you have those details on hand later.
In the chaos of the car accident, you might have forgotten to exchange certain information. Don’t beat yourself up over this mistake. Instead, consider consulting our car accident team. Our collision attorneys can gather the information necessary to build a successful claim. Call (954) 633-8240 to learn more.
You Should Only Share What’s Absolutely Necessary After a Collision
There’s no getting around it: even if you’re not sure about filing a claim, you must exchange information with the other driver. If you don’t, the other party could accuse you of fleeing the accident scene, which is illegal under Florida Statutes § 316.061.
While you should share your contact information after a crash, you should refrain from:
- Accusing the other party of causing the incident
- Admitting fault in any capacity
- Apologizing for your role in the collision
- Disregarding medical attention from paramedics
- Saying anything that could raise “red flags” later
Doing any of these things could complicate your injury claim.
What Happens if You Couldn’t Get the Other Driver’s Contact Information?
If you suffered serious injuries, you likely prioritized treatment over getting the other driver’s contact details. Yet, without this information, filing a claim could become difficult. That’s where a Miami car accident lawyer from our team comes in. We can review the accident report and see if law enforcement documented the other party’s name and contact details.
You Should Save This Information After Your Car Accident
The other party’s contact information is just one thing you should keep after your accident. You should also save:
- Any information related to your injuries. For instance, if your doctor gives you a written treatment plan, keep it. Your Florida car accident lawyer can evaluate this information to determine the severity of your condition.
- Any correspondence between you and the insurance company. The insurance company may say something one day and then something entirely different the next. By keeping all written communications, like emails, you can hold the insurer to its word.
- Photos taken throughout your recovery period. While you undergo treatment, you should take photos that document your recovery. This may include photos of stitched lacerations, bruising, and other visible ailments.
- Your cost-related documentation. You reasonably want to recover the full cost of your expenses. But do you know how much you’re owed? Using injury-related receipts, invoices, and bills, we can add up your losses and fight to recover them.
The more information you have showcasing the cause of your accident and the cost of your damages, the more compelling your case could be.
Other Considerations After a Car Accident
Exchanging information with the other driver is just one part of your car accident claim. You should also:
- Look over the police report. The police report should paint an accurate picture of what happened at the collision scene. Be sure to request a copy and check it for accuracy. A simple mistake could complicate matters later.
- Seek medical attention. If you didn’t accept medical care at the accident scene, visit a healthcare provider. Proving that you suffered injuries is the foundation of your personal injury case. You also want to ensure your health and well-being, as some conditions don’t immediately present symptoms.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement. The liable insurer may ask for a recorded statement, where a representative asks “loaded” questions about your case. You don’t have to give a recorded statement, and you shouldn’t. Doing so could accidentally reveal information that could hurt your case.
Consider Your Legal Options in the Event of a Car Accident
The aftermath of a collision can become complicated fast. That’s why many injured claimants work with Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers, like the ones from our firm. Our car accident team has secured million-dollar settlements in the 20-plus years we’ve served our community.
It’s important to promptly consider your legal options because Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) limits how long you have to file an injury lawsuit. You generally have four years from the date of your accident to act. There are other time-sensitive matters that could affect your right to compensation, too. You want to do everything possible to preserve your right to damages.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato To Explore Your Options
You still may have many questions about what information you should share after a car accident. Our car accident team at Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is prepared to address any questions you have. Contact or call our team at (954) 633-8270. We can listen to your story and explain your next steps.
