What To Do After A Car Accident In Florida: A Step By Step Guide

Anybody, anywhere, and at any moment can be involved in a car accident. Thousands of accidents occur each year in Florida, making them a regrettable common occurrence. Take the necessary actions to safeguard your health and legal rights if you are in a car accident in Florida.

We’ll give you a step-by-step overview to follow in this guidance after a car accident in Florida. Everything from getting medical help and reporting the incident to the police to calling your insurance provider and understanding Florida’s comparative negligence law will be covered. We’ll also go through the value of dealing with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer and how to get money back for things like medical costs and lost income.

You may navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Florida and obtain the compensation you deserve by following the instructions provided in this article and by speaking to one of our car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale. Keep in mind that by taking the proper action, you may assist in safeguarding your health, your legal rights, and the fair settlement of damages.

Evaluate the Circumstances: Be Calm and Check for Injuries

After a car accident in Florida, you should evaluate the situation first. It’s crucial to maintain your calm and avoid panicking because doing so can aid in clearer thinking and improved decision-making. If you or any of your passengers are wounded, call 911 right away. It’s a good idea to see a doctor even if you don’t experience any pain or discomfort because some injuries might not be obvious right away.

If it’s safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists and avert more collisions if you are unable to move your vehicle. Place flares or reflective triangles at the accident scene to try to alert other cars to any potential risks on the road, such as debris or fluid spills.

Call 911 to reach emergency services, then wait for assistance to arrive

Calling emergency assistance is the next action after evaluating the situation. You can reach the closest emergency services, such as police, fire, and medical responders, in Florida by dialing 911. Provide your location, the number of vehicles involved, and the severity of any injuries when you dial 911.

Even if you believe the accident was small, it is crucial to remain at the scene until emergency personnel comes. In Florida, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and if you do so before the police show up there, you risk being charged with hit-and-run.

Document the incident by taking pictures, writing down details, and exchanging contact information. It’s a good idea to begin recording the accident while you wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Take pictures of the situation, including the injuries you or your passengers may have incurred, the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved. Keep a list of the names and phone numbers of the other drivers involved, as well as any accident witnesses.

Exchange numbers and insurance provider names with the other drivers to exchange insurance information. Make sure to include details about your personal insurance as well. If the police are called, they will record this data and compile an accident report.

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Get Medical Care: Even if you feel OK, visit a doctor to be checked out

After a car accident, even if you feel OK, it’s always crucial to get medical help. Being examined by a doctor will help you detect any injuries you may have incurred because some ailments may not be immediately obvious. Receiving medical care can also assist in documenting your injuries, which may be helpful if you decide to submit a personal injury claim.

If emergency medical services are called, they will examine your wounds and, if required, take you to the hospital. It’s a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible following the accident, even if you don’t need immediate medical assistance. Whiplash, back injuries, and concussions are some of the common injuries sustained in car accidents.

Reporting: Make a report of the accident to the police

The next step is to report the accident to the police after receiving medical attention and exchanging contact details with the other drivers. Any car accident in Florida that causes injury, death, or property damage worth more than $500 must be reported.

Provide the police with a statement of what happened, your contact information, and information about your insurance when they come. Being truthful and exact is crucial since any inconsistencies or lies could later be used against you.

The accident’s specifics, names of any witnesses, and information about the drivers involved will all be included in the police department’s report of the incident. After it has been submitted, you can get a copy of this report from the police station.

Let Your Insurance Company Know: Report the Accident and Provide Specifics

The next step after reporting an accident to the police is to inform your insurance provider about the incident. Regardless of who was at blame, most insurance policies require you to report accidents within a specific amount of time, usually between 24 and 48 hours.

When you get in touch with your insurance provider, be sure to tell them everything that happened, including the time and date of the collision, the location, the degree of the damage, and the names and numbers of the other drivers. Avoid admitting responsibility or liability in your statement, and be truthful and accurate.

An adjuster will be assigned by your insurance carrier to handle your claim. The adjuster will look into the collision, go over the police report, and evaluate your car’s damage. They will also give you instructions on how to get your car fixed, including a list of authorized repair facilities.

Get legal counsel and assistance by contacting a car accident attorney

It’s a good idea to get in touch with a car accident attorney if you’ve been hurt in one. An experienced attorney can represent you in court if necessary, help you understand your legal rights, and negotiate with insurance providers.

When hiring an attorney, seek someone with experience managing cases comparable to yours and experience handling vehicle accident cases. Attorneys can be located online, by requesting referrals from friends and family, or by calling the Florida Bar Association.

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Get familiar with Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law and be aware of your rights and obligations

Understanding Florida’s comparative negligence law is essential following a car accident. According to this law, each party engaged in the accident receives a percentage of the fault depending on how negligent they were. This implies that if you contributed to the accident in some way, your damages will be diminished by the amount of your contribution to the disaster.

It’s critical to understand your legal rights and responsibilities under Florida’s comparative negligence statutes. For instance, you have the right to contest the degree of fault placed on you and the need to exercise ordinary care to prevent accidents. You can move through the legal process more skillfully and improve your chances of being fairly compensated for your damages by being aware of your legal rights and obligations.

The 50% bar rule is a crucial component of Florida’s comparative negligence law. According to this law, you will not be eligible to receive any compensation from the other party if you are determined to have contributed more than 50% to the accident. Understanding this rule is crucial since it has a big effect on how your case turns out.

Consult with a car accident lawyer if you’re unsure of your rights and responsibilities under Florida’s comparative negligence statute. An adept attorney can represent you in court if necessary, assist you in navigating the legal system, and bargain with insurance providers. They can help you better understand your legal obligations and rights so you can work toward getting just compensation for your losses.

It’s critical to understand Florida’s comparative negligence law following a car accident. You can better navigate the legal system and raise your chances of getting fairly compensated for your damages by being aware of your rights and responsibilities. If you have any questions or concerns concerning this law or the legal system in general, it’s crucial to speak with a car accident lawyer.

Understanding Compensation for Medical Costs, Lost Earnings, and Other Fees While Recovering Damages

After a car accident in Florida, you can be eligible for financial support for a range of damages. These damages can include medical costs, lost earnings, and other fees associated with the accident. For you to be sure you obtain appropriate compensation, you must understand how to collect these damages.

Medical expenditures following a car accident might be one of the most costly expenses. These costs may cover everything from many trips to the emergency room to ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation. Keep thorough records of all your medical expenses, including bills, receipts, and any other paperwork related to your treatment, if you’ve been hurt in an accident. These documents can be used to bolster your case for reimbursement.

Another common type of damage following a car accident is lost earnings. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or lost earning potential if your injuries have prevented you from working. This can range from lost time at work to a future with less earning potential. You must present proof of your lost wages, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer, to claim these damages.

Property damage, travel expenses, and even emotional distress may be added to the costs of a car accident. It’s crucial to maintain thorough records of all of these costs because they can all be included in your compensation claim.

Florida Car Accident Statute of Limitations

It’s significant to remember that in Florida there is a statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury case following a car accident. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years from the accident’s date. This means that if you wait more than four years after the accident, you will lose your right to bring a compensation claim.

Even though four years could seem like a long period, it’s crucial to move fast following a car accident. The longer you delay, the more challenging it may be to gather proof and put together a compelling argument. Also, it’s critical to keep in mind that the statute of limitations may be shortened in some situations, such as when a government agency is involved in an accident.

You may make sure that you adhere to all deadlines and submit your claim before the statute of limitations expires by working with a car accident attorney. You can file your claim on time by working with an attorney to prepare your case, gather proof, and file it. Also, they can represent you in court if necessary and assist you in negotiations with insurance providers. To fulfill all deadlines and submit your claim on time, it’s critical to act fast after an accident and consult with an expert car accident attorney. You can improve your chances of getting just compensation for your damages by taking the proper actions and cooperating with an attorney.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney immediately

In Florida, getting into a car accident can be a challenging and stressful situation. You can, however, better understand your rights and take the required actions to safeguard yourself and your interests by following the steps outlined in this guide.

Never forget to put others involved in the accident’s safety before your own. In addition to contacting law police to report the collision, get medical assistance right away. Get as much information as you can regarding the accident, and make sure to share it with the other driver.

Working with a skilled car accident lawyer is essential to preserving your legal rights and ensuring that you obtain just compensation for your losses. An attorney can represent you in court if necessary, assist you in navigating the legal system, and negotiate with insurance providers.

Our skilled car accident attorneys at Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are committed to assisting you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. We are dedicated to giving you the individualized attention and direction you require to go forward following a car accident. We have a track record of success managing car accident cases.

Don’t wait to speak with our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys if you’ve been in a car crash in Broward County. To arrange a free consultation and find out more about how we can assist you, get in touch right away. At every step of the journey, we are here to support you.