A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you shaken and uncertain about what to do next. Knowing the right steps to take after a car accident can protect your health, safeguard your legal rights, and ensure you’re compensated for damages. Whether it’s a major car accident or a minor fender-bender, having a plan in place is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident to keep you safe and prepared.
What to do After a Car Accident
Get to Safety First
Your priority after a car accident should always be safety. If you can, move your car to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights, and make sure you’re out of harm’s way. If you can’t move your car, stay inside and wait for help. The main priority is making sure you’re out of harm’s way! If you must exit the car, be extremely cautious. Stand away from passing traffic, such as on the sidewalk or a safe distance from the road. The last thing you want is to be involved in another accident while waiting for emergency assistance, so it’s critical to remain aware of your surroundings.
Check on others involved, but don’t move anyone who appears seriously injured unless it’s necessary for safety. Moving someone with a potential neck or spine injury can cause major injuries to worsen.
Once you’re safe, it’s time to address the effects of a car crash on the human body. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s important to understand that adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of injuries suffered in a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be noticeable until hours or days later.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
After ensuring safety, you should call 911. Reporting the accident to the police is crucial, even if the property damage or injuries appear minor. The police report can serve as critical evidence if you later decide to file an auto accident lawsuit. The police report provides an official account of the incident, documenting the scene, the people involved, and the damages.
Remember to tell the dispatcher about any visible injuries. Emergency medical services can evaluate and treat any common car accident injuries, like fractures, concussions, or sprains. For more serious injuries, you may need to be transported to a hospital or other medical facility.
If you are involved in a crash involving any of the following, you must notify law enforcement. Please stay at the scene of the crash and call 911, as required in section 316.065, Florida Statutes.
- A crash with injury;
- A crash with fatality;
- A hit and run crash;
- A DUI crash;
- A crash which requires a wrecker to remove the vehicle;
- A crash with a commercial motor vehicle; or
- A crash where apparent damage is at least $500.00.
While Florida law allows drivers involved in certain minor accidents to self-report the crash via Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), we recommend letting a law enforcement officer handle the crash report instead. Although it may seem easier to self-report, there are several reasons why this can lead to issues.
Many people aren’t familiar with how to properly complete the report, which can result in mistakes or incomplete information. Additionally, the lack of familiarity with legal terminology or accident details might lead to missing key facts that could be important later if you’re pursuing an insurance claim or auto accident lawsuit. Allowing an officer to complete the report ensures accuracy, and having an official report from law enforcement adds weight to your case when seeking compensation.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Documentation is key after a car accident. While you wait for authorities, gather as much evidence as possible. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your case will be. Here are some key steps to take when collecting evidence at the scene: Take photos of all vehicles involved, from multiple angles.
Take Photos of All Vehicles Involved
Immediately after ensuring your safety, take photos of all vehicles involved in the crash. Make sure to capture each vehicle from multiple angles, focusing on any damage. These photos will not only serve as visual evidence of the accident but will also help show the effects of a car crash on the human body, as they can illustrate the severity of the impact, which may correlate with your injuries.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
After a collision, you must exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance policy numbers, and driver’s license details. Keep this information safe as it will be needed when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action with the help of the best auto accident attorney.
Gather Contact Information from Witnesses
If there are any witnesses at the scene, get their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony to corroborate your version of events, which can be critical in a car accident lawsuit or dispute over fault. Their accounts can make or break your case, particularly if there are disagreements about what happened.
Record Weather, Road Conditions, and Traffic Signals
Details like the weather, road conditions, and nearby traffic signals can be easily overlooked but are incredibly important in building your case. Was it raining? Were the roads slippery? Were there any traffic signs or signals that could have contributed to the accident? These details can help establish contributing factors, such as hazardous driving conditions or failure to adhere to traffic laws. Recording these can strengthen your case, especially when negotiating for a car accident settlement.
Documentation of Injuries After a Car Accident
One of the most important aspects of a car accident claim is documenting the injuries suffered in a car accident. Proper documentation provides evidence for insurance claims and legal action and helps track the progression of your injuries over time.
Take Photos of Visible Injuries
Immediately after the accident, take clear, detailed photos of any visible injuries. Bruises, cuts, swelling, or abrasions should be captured from multiple angles and in good lighting. This evidence will help demonstrate the effects of a car crash on the human body, proving the physical trauma sustained in the accident.
Keep a Log of Pain Levels and Symptoms
It’s also essential to keep a written or digital log of your symptoms. Record your pain levels, areas of discomfort, and any changes in your condition over time. For example, what happens to your body in a car crash might not be fully understood until days or weeks later, especially with injuries like whiplash or internal trauma. These logs will not only assist your doctors in treatment but will also serve as evidence in your car accident lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident to comply with Florida’s 14-day rule. This rule, outlined in Florida Statutes §627.736, requires that you seek medical treatment within 2 weeks (14 days) of the accident to qualify for personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under Florida’s no-fault law.
Failure to seek treatment within 14 days may result in a denial of coverage. Timely medical care ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly and that you preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Track Medical Expenses
Keep a thorough record of all medical expenses. Every doctor’s visit, hospital stay, medication, or physical therapy session should be documented. These medical records will play a critical role when determining the damages you’re entitled to in your car accident settlement.
In personal injury cases, “damages” refer to the financial compensation awarded to cover losses, and medical expenses are a significant part of those damages. By documenting every expense, from emergency room visits to ongoing rehabilitation, you ensure that the full scope of your medical costs is accounted for. This includes not only immediate costs like surgeries or diagnostic tests but also long-term care, such as physical therapy or future medical treatments that may be required due to the injuries suffered in a car accident.
Accurately tracking medical expenses helps your attorney argue for maximum compensation in your case. Without proper documentation, you could miss out on compensation for treatments that were necessary for your recovery. Whether you’re working toward a settlement or preparing for trial, detailed medical records ensure that you’re fully compensated for your damages, both now and in the future.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After your accident, you’ll need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida operates under a “no-fault” system, meaning your insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This is a key feature of the Florida no-fault law.
However, keep in mind that insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, so be cautious with what you say. Avoid making statements that could be used against you later, such as admitting fault or minimizing your injuries.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies have experienced adjusters whose goal is to settle claims for as little money as possible. Before you agree to any settlement offer, it’s critical to consult with an attorney. An experienced lawyer can evaluate whether the settlement amount truly covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
The best auto accident attorney will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf, whether through settlement or litigation. If necessary, they can help you file a claim to recover damages for pain, suffering, and other losses.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps after a car accident is reaching out to a car accident lawyer in your area. Having legal representation can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and whether or not you receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
Working with a trauma-informed legal team, like Lipinski Law, can be especially helpful. Our team understands the emotional and physical toll that car accidents can take, and we prioritize your well-being throughout the entire legal process. Whether you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident or suffered personal injuries yourself, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert legal guidance. No matter the severity of the accident, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
After a car accident, many people make mistakes that can harm their ability to recover compensation. Some common pitfalls include:
- Failing to seek medical attention promptly
- Accepting an initial lowball settlement from the insurance company
- Not gathering enough evidence at the scene
- Delaying contacting a lawyer
To avoid these issues, it’s important to be proactive and reach out to the best car accident attorney as soon as possible.
What to do When You Get in a Car Accident
When figuring out what to do when you get in a car accident, your priority is safety—move your vehicle out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor, since symptoms like whiplash can appear later. While waiting for help, gather evidence such as photos, contact details, witness statements, and notes on road conditions to support your claim. Seek medical attention within Florida’s 14-day window to qualify for PIP benefits. Notify your insurance company, but avoid negotiating alone—consulting an attorney ensures you receive fair compensation for injuries and damages. Acting quickly and avoiding common mistakes, like delaying medical care or accepting low settlement offers, will help protect your rights and ensure the best outcome.
What to do After a Car Accident: Your Road to Recovery Starts Here
Knowing what to do after a car accident is essential for protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to receive fair compensation. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, or the loss of a loved one, having the best car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Choosing Lipinski Law means working with a dedicated, trauma-informed team that has experience with car accidents ranging from minor accidents to fatal accidents with wrongful death claims. We know the effects of a car crash on the human body can be catastrophic, and the emotional suffering victims and their families endure is immense.
Contact Lipinski Law for a free, confidential consultation at lipinskilaw.com/contact/ or call us at 561-453-4800. Based in Jupiter, Florida, we proudly serve clients throughout Palm Beach County, including Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach. We also handle wrongful death and other car accident cases across the state of Florida.
For more insights and guidance on related topics, check out our other blog posts, including:
- Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident? Find Out Now
- Rear End Collision Legal Assistance: Seek Compensation Now
- Why You Should Never Sign a Release Immediately After a Car Crash
- 5 Types of Evidence That Can Disappear Quickly After an Auto Accident
- What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car: 5 Key Steps to Take
- Jupiter Car Crash Resources
- Tequesta Car Crash Resources
- Palm Beach Gardens Car Crash Resources: A Guide from Lipinski Law
- Navigating the Personal Challenges of Litigation: A Comprehensive Guide
- Comprehensive Guide to Legal Intake Procedures: What Potential Clients Need to Know
