Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, it’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in an unexpected accident. In this article you will find 7 Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident.
Last year alone, there were 35,470 crashes in Broward County, which resulted in 20,942 injuries and 237 fatalities. While you can’t always avoid an accident, you can make sure you know what to do if a collision does occur. With this in mind, the experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys from Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers recommend following these seven steps to take after a car accident in Florida:
1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately After a Car Accident
If anyone requires urgent medical help, call 911 immediately after your car accident. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt, it’s important to seek medical assistance so that you can be checked over, so visit a hospital or medical center, if you’re able to do so.
2. Move to a Safe Area
You shouldn’t leave the scene of a car accident, but you should ensure you’re not in the path of oncoming traffic or other road users. By waiting on the sidewalk, rather than in your vehicle, for example, you can reduce the risk of additional accidents occurring.
3. Contact the Local Police
If you’re involved in a car crash that causes injury, death, or property damage over $500, Section 316.065, Florida Statutes requires you to notify law enforcement straight away. As well as producing a car accident report regarding the incident, police can also investigate the cause of the car accident and determine who was responsible for the collision.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Drivers involved in a car accident are required to exchange information under Florida law, including their contact details and insurance company information. If the other driver refuses to give their information or you doubt the accuracy of the information provided, try to note down their license plate so this can be investigated at a later date.
5.Take Photographs of the Car Crash Scene
If it’s possible for you to do so, take photographs of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to your vehicle or any injuries you have sustained. When examined afterward, they could help as evidence to show how the collision happened, how serious it was, and who was responsible.
6.Get Legal Advice From an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Seeking advice from an experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will give you the opportunity to protect your liability and seek compensation for any damages you’ve incurred. If you’ve been injured due to an accident that was caused by another driver, for example, your car accident attorney can help you to make a claim for personal injury compensation.
7. Tell Your Insurer About your Accident
It’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible if you’ve been involved in an accident, so don’t hesitate to contact them as soon as you’re able to do so.
Dealing with a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Although there are many initiatives designed to reduce the risk of accidents in Fort Lauderdale, such as Vision Zero, collisions still occur on a regular basis. In fact, one stretch of the I-95 is considered the ‘deadliest mile in America’ due to the high rate of accidents.
Being aware of the risks can help you to avoid accidents but knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision will ensure you’re able to cope with the situation if it arises and able to access the specialist help you need. Make sure to keep an eye on our automotive news blog for all the latest automotive news.
