What to Do After a Car Accident
Let’s say that you have been in a car accident on a country road somewhere in rural Florida. You’ve talked to the other driver, and both cars are in driveable condition. You want to get home quickly because there is no cellular phone reception, and there are no businesses nearby where you can borrow a phone to call the police.
At this point, you have to decide what to do. Here is what our experienced Meldon Law attorneys recommend the following steps.
Speak to the Others Involved
Ensure the other driver and any passengers feel comfortable exchanging information and reporting the accident to the insurance companies without a crash report.
Exchange Information
Take your cell phone out and photograph the driver’s license of the other drivers and passengers, as well as their insurance information.
Take Photographs
Take photos of the cars’ position before moving them as well as photos of the damage to all involved vehicles – not just your own.
Make a Written Account
Write down either on paper or in your phone any details that you can recall. This includes road conditions, weather, the time of the accident, any passengers’ names in both vehicles.
Record Conversations
If the other driver is willing to talk about the car wreck, ask him or her to allow you to record a conversation about how the accident occurred. Advise them that it’s best to discuss while it’s still fresh in both of your memories. But, if they don’t’ feel comfortable giving you a recorded statement, not to worry, as you can still file a claim with your insurance company afterward.
Report the Accident
You must report the accident under Florida law. Call your insurance company and law enforcement as soon as you have cell phone service. Do so promptly and explain the circumstances.
Get Medical Care
If you feel as though you may be physically hurt, go immediately to an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The medical providers will bill your automobile insurance, but you must advise your insurance company about what happened so they can investigate the accident independently. Take photos of any injuries, including bruising.
Call Meldon Law
Call our qualified attorneys who will help you get through the claims process as soon as possible. Most attorneys work on a contingency basis and will only charge you a fee if they can recover on your behalf.
As you can see, there are a lot of steps you should take after getting into a car accident. Although you have 4 years in the state of Florida to file a claim for injuries if you were not entirely at fault for the car crash, the first few days are crucial for your case. If no police officer or service technician is called to the scene, you must gather the evidence yourself to support your case. Make sure you do it honestly and thoroughly.
Meldon Law Is Here for You
At Meldon Law, we have the expertise and experience to assist you in every aspect of your car accident case. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for you and the compensation you deserve following a traumatic car accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at or fill out our contact form for a prompt response to schedule your free consultation. We want to help you get started on the path to getting your life back today.
