What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

Experiencing a car crash is an overwhelming experience for which no one is ever prepared. If you’re in Florida, make sure you’re buckled up. The regulations here operate by their own playbook, and next thing you know, you are looking at your crunched bumper, asking yourself where to go next. 

“It makes all the difference to have a plan for what to do if you are involved in a car accident,” says attorney Jimmy Fasig of Fasig | Brooks Law Office. Here is a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate this complex situation.

Stay Put

Even in minor car collisions in Florida, leaving the scene is strongly discouraged. Stay on the scene, check for injuries, and exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with everyone involved.

If you flee the scene early, you might end up facing felony charges, hefty fines, or seeing your license take a long hiatus. Staying put will not just help you avoid hassle when dealing with the police but will also ensure you are present when police come to get their evidence. The police will formally record your version of the incident in their report.

Gathering Evidence

As you sit calmly at the scene awaiting the police, begin collecting as much evidence as possible. Take your phone out and snap lots of photos of the vehicles, property damage, license plates, strange skid marks, road conditions, visible injuries, and anything else that may be relevant.

Take a brief video as well by panning and highlighting the scene. Be sure to point out the details, such as road signs, the conditions and weather, or anything that could possibly be useful in your case.

In case someone else witnessed the incident, be sure to speak with them. Ask if they will provide their number or perhaps a brief statement. You do not know it, but a casual remark from a witness can end up saving you later on.

Get Professional Assistance

Just because you got up from the accident and were fine does not mean that your body is okay. Occasionally, something like whiplash or another internal injury can remain hidden for some time.

In the state of Florida, the law provides 14 days within which you must visit a doctor if you do want to seek PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance money, but you do not have to wait that long. Every day will increase the likelihood that the insurer or the opposing party will argue the injuries were minor. 

Doctors catch things early and get everything on record. This is especially important since insurance companies love to find gaps in your treatment, and you do not want to make it easier for them to mess with your claim.

Watch Your Words

After the accident, you do not want to get caught up in telling the story of the wreck. Just share the essential details with the other party, such as your name, contact details, and insurance details. Do not apologize or admit fault even if you blame yourself for the incident.

Insurance adjusters are not exactly on your side. Ensure your communication with them is concise and direct. Save the straight talk for your lawyer or doctor. The bottom line is that the less you discuss the incident, the more protection you have.

Filing the Claim

The final thing to do is to file your claim. Florida happens to be a no-fault state when it comes to insurance. This simply means that your PIP jumps into action and takes care of your medical expenses, as well as wages that you lost, regardless of fault.

Final Thoughts

You should keep in mind that PIP is not bottomless. If you sustained serious injuries, or otherwise your bills balloon well above and beyond what PIP will pay for, then you could be looking at taking legal action.

For that, it’s necessary to have proof that the injuries suffered are serious. The best step is to talk to a car accident attorney. They will help you decide on the best course of action, strengthen your case, and help you pursue fair compensation.