What to do After a Car Accident in South Florida

When we get behind the wheel, we essentially put our lives in the hands of every driver we meet on the road. For most of us, driving is the most dangerous activity we do all day. Yet most drivers take that for granted. 

Even though driving requires attention and observation, most drivers multi-task while on the road. They fiddle with their radio, talk on their Bluetooth, and even text while driving. At A to Z Injury Law, we’ve seen serious accidents and wrongful deaths happen as a result of careless, reckless, and aggressive driving. Our attorneys have defended thousands of clients who were in accidents they didn’t cause. 

For South Florida residents, driving is especially dangerous in Miami, because it’s a highly populated metropolitan area. In fact, it’s among the deadliest roads in the country. If you do find yourself involved in an accident, the first thing to do is stay calm and follow these helpful instructions. 

Step 1: Check for Injuries/Get to Safety 

Your safety and that of those around you should be your priority. When in an accident, check if you or anyone in your vehicle is injured. If you or someone was injured, call 911 immediately and do not move until emergency personnel has arrived. If no one was injured, turn on your hazard lights and try to move your vehicle to a safe location. Even if you were not injured, it is advised to call 911 to have an official report of the accident for your insurance company. 

Step 2: Exchange Information

Exchange your name and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident. In most states, you’re only required to exchange name and insurance info, but you should gather additional information if possible, such as the driver’s license and license plate number of the other person involved in the accident, make and model of the vehicle, and the location of the accident. 

If eyewitnesses were present, get down their name and contact information, as well. When the police arrive at the scene, get their name, and badge number, and ask them where you can get a copy of the accident report, in case your insurance provider asks for this information. 

Keep your conversation with the other driver to a minimum. In other words, don’t admit fault or apologize. Additionally, don’t blame the other person even if they’re responsible for the accident. Your first step is to keep calm, but this step should be carried out throughout the entire incident. 

Step 3: Take Pictures

To better protect yourself, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident unless this will put you in harm’s way. You will need this information to provide to your insurance provider to support your claim, and to your attorney to prove that the driver was at fault. 

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

If your insurance company has a timeframe to submit your claim, it’s important to contact them as soon as possible to file the claim. However, if the insurance company of the other driver tries to reach you, you are advised to speak with an attorney first. Furthermore, if you sustained injuries in the accident, don’t move forward with the insurance claims process until you have received all the necessary information regarding your injury from your doctor. 

Step 5: Contact A to Z Injury Law

Call a lawyer after you have contacted your insurance company. This will give them enough time to build a case if necessary. Without guidance from an attorney, you may inadvertently say something that can be used against you during your litigation. Instead, contact our personal injury attorneys in Miami, Florida. 

If you are not in South Florida, contact an attorney who is experienced in car accidents. Your attorney will then gather all the necessary information to prove that the other driver was at fault. Additionally, he or she will guide you through the process such as informing you on how to handle insurance companies and possible next steps. 

We Can Help!

At A to Z Injury Law, our attorneys specialize in Florida accident law and can secure settlements and verdicts on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation.