Most Florida motorists practice safe driving habits whenever they are traveling to their destinations. Sadly, even if you are the safest of these individuals, there is always the potential threat of another driver’s reckless or negligent actions causing you to become involved in a car accident. In seemingly the blink of an eye, you could suddenly be facing medical bills for your injuries, rehabilitation costs and lost wages from being unable to work.
There are certain critical steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident that can prove invaluable to you both in the short- and long-term. First and foremost is attempting to remain as calm as possible in spite of how frightened and nervous you understandably may be. From there, if your health, safety and unique circumstances of the crash allow for it, try to proceed through the following actions:
- Assess both yourself and any of your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 immediately if there are any serious injuries.
- Move your vehicle to a safe area if this is possible.
- Check on the health of anyone else involved in the wreck.
- Call the police so there will be a formal report of the incident.
- Exchange contact information with the other drivers along with any eyewitnesses.
If you are physically able to do so, gathering particular evidence from the site of the incident can also be beneficial for dealing with insurance companies and potential legal matters. Try to take photos of the crash scene, including any vehicle or property damage. You can also document the accident by writing down the speed and direction you were traveling, and by creating a sketch of how the wreck took place.
Timing can be a key factor toward a successful claim
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible in the aftermath of your accident is another important step to take. In many cases, victims who may have only experienced minor injuries at the time of the crash end up experiencing much worse symptoms weeks and months later. Getting medical documentation as early as possible can benefit your chances of ultimately receiving the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries to which you are entitled.
Timing can also prove critical when dealing with your insurance company. Failure to provide a timely notification of the incident can potentially cause your rates to rise, threaten your coverage and lower your chances of a successful claim. Fortunately, there is professional guidance and support readily available to you during these challenging times, allowing you to better focus on your recovery and moving forward.
