According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there have already been nearly 265,000 motor vehicle crashes and accidents in Florida in 2024. Though. Many accidents are nothing more severe than a fender bender; more than 111,000 of those accidents resulted in injuries. As your West Palm Beach car accident attorney can tell you, knowing the steps to take immediately after an accident can make all the difference in your recovery and your financial situation. Here are a few key steps to follow if you’re involved in a car accident in Florida.
Move Your Vehicle Out of Traffic if Possible
If you and your passengers are okay, it’s a good idea to move your vehicle out of traffic if possible. Pull off onto the shoulder or move your car into a parking lot away from other cars. If your car is damaged and can’t move or you and your passengers are injured, leave the vehicle where it is and turn on your hazard lights. This can help other drivers see your vehicle and reduce the risk of those other drivers hitting your car.
Notify the Police
As soon as you can, notify the police about the accident. Calling 911 rather than the non-emergency line can be a good idea, especially if you’re worried about your safety or are dealing with any injuries. If the accident is minor, you could call the non-emergency line for your local police department. They’ll send an officer to the scene quickly.
The officer can act as a buffer between you and the other driver and can collect evidence at the scene to document the damage. This information can help with your insurance claim and may help if you have to file a lawsuit against the other driver or their insurance company.
Gather Essential Information and Document the Damage
It’s a good idea to exchange information with the other driver involved. At a minimum, you’ll want to get their name, phone number, and driver’s license number, as well as their insurance information. If you’re comfortable getting this information on your own, you can. If you’re not or you’re worried about the other driver becoming hostile, wait for the police to arrive and let them gather the information for you.
Be sure to take pictures of the accident with your phone. Document the other driver’s make and model, license plate number, and any damage done to both of your vehicles. This can help strengthen your case if you need to file a lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor or you’re uninjured, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you know you’re injured, consider going to the emergency room or urgent care facility. If you think you’re uninjured, make an appointment with your primary care physician and let them check your overall condition. Injuries can take a few days or weeks to become apparent.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Provider
Under Florida law, each driver is required to file a claim with their insurance provider regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Your insurance agent will guide you through the claims process, and once your claim is processed, you’ll typically receive a settlement based on your coverage. Under Florida law, you’re required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover the first $10,000 of your medical bills resulting from the accident. If your injuries require treatments and medical care that costs more than $10,000, you may be able to work with a car accident attorney to sue the other driver for the remainder so you can fully cover your medical bills.
Speak With a West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney
If you’re worried about a car accident you were involved in recently or aren’t happy with the settlement amount you received, reach out to a West Palm Beach car accident attorney at Winegar Law. Our team will review your case and help you determine if a lawsuit is in your best interest. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.