What Is the First Call You Should Make After a Florida Car Accident?

A Florida car accident can leave you feeling shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. A common question people ask after a car accident is, “What is the first call I should make?”

So, who should you call first after a Florida car accident? According to the law and safety experts, your first call should be to 911. After that, you should also contact your insurance company and, of course, a Florida car accident attorney.

Below is a step-by-step look at what to do after a Florida car accident.

Step #1: Ensure Safety and Call the Police

The first step after a car accident is to ensure your safety and that of others. If you can, and if the car can move, drive it to a safe location like the side of the road to avoid further harm. After ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved, call 911 and report the accident. According to Florida Statutes section 316.065, you are legally obligated to call the police if you are involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage estimated at $500 or more. However, even if yours seems like a minor accident, it is best to call the police.

When the police arrive at the accident scene, they will conduct a preliminary investigation and prepare an official report. This report can be a critical piece of evidence in any insurance or legal claim you file later. A police report can provide an official, unbiased record of the accident, including witness statements, a detailed diagram of the scene, and the officer’s opinion on what or who caused the accident.

Step #2: Seek Medical Attention

While it is not exactly a “call,” your next step should be to plan to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Getting medical help immediately is crucial for protecting your health and legal rights. In Florida, if you delay seeking medical attention, you could be denied PIP benefits. If you delay seeking medical help and then file a personal injury claim, your delay could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or were caused by another incident.

Step #3: Notify Your Insurance Company

After the police arrive at the scene and you seek medical attention, you should contact your insurance company. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so after a car crash, you are required to turn to your own PIP coverage for compensation, regardless of fault.

However, you must be careful when speaking to your insurance company. Here are a few tips;

• Only state the facts, like when and where the accident happened
• Do not speculate or exaggerate
• Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to an attorney

Remember, just because it’s your insurance company doesn’t mean it will be fair.

Step #4: Call a Car Accident Attorney

Once you’ve informed your insurance company, a crucial call to make is to a skilled Florida car accident attorney. Speaking to an attorney is crucial for several reasons, including;

• Protection of your rights
• Case investigation
• Getting help with handling the insurance company
• Maximizing compensation

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you’ve been in a Florida car accident, contact our skilled West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.065.html