I Had a Car Accident in Florida – What Happens Next?

When you think about major car accidents, you probably don’t anticipate that it could happen to you. But unfortunately, drivers find themselves involved in serious car accidents on Florida roads every single day. Therefore, it is important for every driver to be prepared with knowledge about how to act in the aftermath. If you find yourself involved in a car accident in the Sunshine State, you will need to take steps to make sure that you are fully protected.

Call 911. Wait for authorities to arrive after calling so that the proper report can be generated. In the meantime, be careful not to say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Keep in mind that at the scene of the accident, you probably won’t be thinking clearly and it can be easy to mix up facts and implicate yourself in something you didn’t actually do. Even saying something as simple as, “I didn’t see you” can later be used against you.

Use your phone to your advantage. To the extent that you are physically able, use your phone to take photos of the scene of the accident and to record the contact information for all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. In addition, you should record video if possible which can later help establish that the weather, traffic patterns, and road conditions were as you say they were.

Seek medical assistance. Prior to proceeding further, you should obtain immediate medical assistance at the scene of the collision from first responders if needed. Otherwise, you should get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after getting into a car accident. Seeing an urgent care provider or even your own doctor can help you ensure you don’t have any underlying injuries you aren’t aware of and can help link any that are uncovered to your accident.

Document your journey appropriately. Be mindful that your actions after the accident will continue to be important in the event that you pursue legal action. Photograph your injuries immediately after the accident and retain the medical records and expenses related to ongoing treatment of the injuries related to the accident in a safe place. In addition, stay off of social media as much as possible and don’t post anything online about the state of your injuries.

Obtain competent legal help. If you have suffered significant physical or financial injury as a result of what you suspect is the negligent actions of others, it is critical that you retain a knowledgeable attorney to represent you. As the experienced Orlando personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we offer quality representation that you can depend on to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. And while you can pursue a claim on your own, you should understand that the chances of full success are always better when you have the right legal team on your side. Contact us today to begin discussing how to preserve and maximize your rights.

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

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