What you do immediately following an auto accident in Florida can make or break your personal injury claim. There are several steps you should take to protect your rights.
First, call 911 right away; state law requires you to report any crash that causes injuries, deaths, or over $500 in property damage. Second, stay at the scene, check everyone involved for injuries, and move your vehicle out of active traffic lanes if you can do so safely.
Following proper procedures once emergency responders arrive will help strengthen your car accident claim down the road. This will make it much easier for your car accident attorney to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What to Do at the Scene of the Car Accident
What to do after the accident can be further broken down into actions at the scene and actions after the accident.
At the scene of the crash, you should:
- Call 911 to request medical assistance and police officers
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved
- Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road hazards, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
- Get names and contact details from any witnesses on the scene
- Avoid saying sorry or admitting fault, as those comments can be used against you
- Accept an ambulance ride if you are hurt, even if your injuries seem minor at first
These early steps are about documenting preliminary evidence of fault and seeking medical treatment to protect your health while building a foundation for your car accident lawyer.
What to Do After the Accident
Ideally, in the first 24 to 72 hours, you should:
- See a doctor right away if you did not visit the hospital via ambulance; severe issues like concussions or internal bleeding might not show symptoms immediately
- Report the accident to your auto insurance provider
- Request an official copy of the police crash report
- Keep detailed notes on your physical symptoms, doctor visits, and missed work days
- Speak with a skilled Hollywood car accident attorney before signing any settlement agreements or giving recorded statements
These steps will help you connect your injuries to the crash and position your future legal action for a favorable outcome.
Florida’s No-Fault System
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance rules, your PIP policy covers initial medical care and a portion of lost income (up to the $10,000 limit) no matter who caused the crash. Specifically, PIP pays for 80% of necessary medical bills and 60% of lost earnings.
When your losses exceed your PIP limits, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet state requirements. Many drivers carry liability insurance to address such damages. If they don’t, you may have other avenues for pursuing compensation, such as your uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or a direct action against the at-fault driver.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney at Elliot Law Firm
Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the crash date to file a car accident lawsuit. On top of that, you must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to receive your PIP benefits at all.
If your medical expenses go over your PIP limit or an insurance provider delays your claim, you should consider contacting an experienced accident lawyer. A Hollywood car accident attorney can protect your rights and help you avoid mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Contact Elliott Law Firm to speak with our car accident lawyers during a free consultation, so we can help you understand your legal options.