Most citizens in the US will be in at least one car accident in their lives. Hopefully if that does happen it will be mild, but far too many auto crashes result in fatalities or serious injuries to include serious concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and more. And at the very least, if you have been in an accident you will be shaken. That’s why it is good to educate yourself ahead of time on the steps to take afterward:

1. Bring the car to a stop and pull over if you can, turning on hazard lights—unless damage to your vehicle has been severe. Take a deep breath and try to regain your balance after a huge surge of adrenaline.
2. Assess whether you are injured, or whether any of your passengers are. If there is any question at all, medical help and an ambulance should be called immediately for you and those who may be injured in the other vehicle too.
3. Call the police. Unless the accident was a completely innocuous fender bender, it is important to file a report. This will serve as proof of what happened, and the insurance companies will need a copy.
4. Speak to the other party and make sure you have as much information as possible from them, to include insurance information, the driver’s name and number, driver’s license information, plate number, and any other relevant data. This is where your smartphone will come in handy too as you can take pictures of the entire crash scene. Photograph both cars, any intersection or relevant street area, damage, and evident injuries to yourself.
5. Speak to anyone in the vicinity who witnessed the accident and compile as much contact information as possible at the scene; after all, that is probably the only time you will see them again, unless there is a court hearing.

Adjusters will probably begin calling you very quickly—and especially if you were struck by a negligent party who has caused you harm. Always remember that the insurance company is not your friend, no matter how charming the insurance adjuster may be, and all calls should be referred to your injury attorney.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.