What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

After a car accident in Florida, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Get to safety– the side of the road or the sidewalk. If it’s possible to move your car out of oncoming traffic, do so and turn on the hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident to the police and request EMS.

A car accident can upend all aspects of your life—including your health and your finances. If this has happened to you, contact our experienced team of Florida car accident lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo for a free consultation. We could review your case and determine if you have a viable personal injury claim based on the cause of the accident. For all our clients, we leverage our extensive knowledge, real-world experience, and the authority of expert medical and financial witnesses to present the strongest and compelling case for damages.

What Should I Do If The Accident Was My Fault?

Florida is a no-fault state, so payment for medical expenses and property damage will be processed through insurance regardless of who was at fault. Therefore, it’s important not to accept responsibility—as you do not know exactly what happened. An investigation by a Florida car accident lawyer will reveal how it happened, and who is liable. Moreover, prematurely admitting fault before an investigation can compromise your claim against the other driver.

What To Do If You Are The Victim of a Hit and Run

When a driver hits you and flees, they have broken the law by leaving the scene of an accident. You should still call the police and file a report. Give the officer as much detail as you can remember about the vehicle that struck you and any context about the accident without admitting fault.

What To Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident with injuries and property damage, it’s important to do the following, if possible:

• Take pictures of the vehicles and the accident scene
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver
• Obtain names and contact information of witnesses
• Ask for the names and badge numbers of police officers
• Obtain names and contact information of passengers in the other car

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most policies require this notification even if the accident was not your fault. In addition, seek medical help even if you think you haven’t been hurt. If you don’t know what to physically expect after a car accident—be aware that adrenaline can flood your body, which can effectively mask the pain of several different types of injuries, including whiplash, TBIs, or other soft tissue injuries.

What Not to Do After the Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident, knowing what to do next can be difficult. If possible, avoid the following, which could limit your rights:

• Don’t argue with the other driver even if they become combative
• Don’t admit fault. Even saying, I’m sorry this happened can be used against you.
• Don’t stay on the road if you can move to a safety
• Don’t talk to insurance adjusters—let your attorney do that

Finally, do not accept the services of a tow truck that shows up unannounced. If your vehicle is damaged, your insurer can arrange for it to be towed directly to a certified body shop.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A car accident can leave you physically and emotionally traumatized. Rely on an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through the process by doing the following:  

• Investigate the accident
• Deal with car insurance  
• File a claim to preserve your right
• Evaluate the full extent of your damages
• Prepare a demand package for your losses
• Advocate for your damages at trial or settlement

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Liability for car accidents can be complex. Your focus should be on your physical and emotional recovery. Kogan & DiSalvo will fight for the compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly to pursue the full scope of damages to which you are entitled, and offer aggressive personal injury representation on a contingency basis. This means we don’t receive attorney fees unless we win or settle your claim. Call today to schedule a free consultation.