What To Do After a Car Accident in Florida

The steps you take after a serious crash can impact your health and legal rights

Experiencing a car accident can be frightening, confusing, and stressful – no matter how serious the collision was. When you’ve been involved in a crash, what happens next? Knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect both your physical well-being and legal rights.

At Feingold Posner Draizin, we know how upsetting a car accident can be. If you’ve been injured in a crash in Plantation or anywhere in Broward County, our car accident attorneys can help. We can guide you through the legal process every step of the way and fight to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been in a car accident, here are steps you can take.

Call the police

Your first step should always be to contact the police. This is especially important if anyone is injured. Officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, the Plantation Police Department, or another local law enforcement agency can secure the scene and help anyone who is hurt. They will also conduct an initial investigation of the crash and complete an accident report.

Get medical attention

Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of some injuries, such as those to the neck, back, or head, may not be felt until hours later. A doctor can diagnose your injuries, begin treatment, and create a medical record. This medical record will be important when seeking financial compensation.

Get contact information

While waiting for the police to arrive, ask for the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. But avoid getting into an argument about the crash or talking about who may have been at fault. Also, ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.

Take photos and video

If you are able to do so, use your phone to document the accident scene. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, debris on the road, any traffic signs or signals, and any visible injuries you have. Be sure to get photos of the crash from different angles and distances. If possible, take a video that pans the entire scene.

Contact your insurance company

Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. Most require prompt reporting of any accidents you are involved in. But stick to the basic facts and don’t discuss fault. Remember, you are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company. If you are contacted by them, politely refuse to answer any questions, then get legal advice.

Get a copy of the accident report

Once the police have filed their report, you can order a copy from the FLHSMV Crash Portal for a fee. This document will have important information about the accident that can help your claim for compensation. When you get your copy, read through it carefully to make sure all information is accurate.

Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you may not be sure what to do next. Can you file a lawsuit? How much compensation can you get? Learn about your legal options and get answers to your questions. Contact an experienced lawyer for a free consultation. You can get the information you need before deciding what to do.

Our firm can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

When you try to recover financial compensation for your injuries after a car accident, there is one thing you can count on. The insurance company will go to great lengths to try to minimize your claim. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or offer you a settlement that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered.

That’s why you need a Plantation car accident lawyer who knows how they operate. All of the attorneys at our firm used to work for insurance companies. We know how they approach claims and the steps they’ll take to limit compensation. And we know what it takes to win.

That unique experience helps us build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. We’re dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve and will be by your side from start to finish. There are no fees or any other upfront charges. You owe us nothing unless we get results.

If you aren’t sure how to proceed after a car accident, we can help put your mind at ease. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.