I Have Been in a Florida Car Accident: What Do I Do?

I Have Been in a Florida Car Accident: What Do I Do? Being involved in a car crash can be a devastating and life-altering experience. It is no surprise that many people find themselves in shock after an accident, and unsure of what to do next. The best thing you can do in this moment is take a deep breath, bring your awareness to your body, and check in with yourself.

Am I Injured?

This process of bringing your awareness to your body is important. You can start at your head and bring your awareness down until you have checked in with all parts of yourself, taking note of any pain, discomfort, numbness, or other feelings that differ from before the crash. This process allows you to determine the extent of your injuries and whether it is safe to move. It will also help you later when talking to the police, as you will be able to tell them accurately about any pain and discomfort you are experiencing to make sure it is included in the report. Many times people are in shock after an accident, or experience a major adrenaline rush. Both of these experiences can make it easy to ignore pain or less obvious injuries. However, concussions, internal bleeding, contusions, and other injuries are very serious, but can often be easy to ignore if you are not actively checking in with yourself.

Do I Need to Call the Police?

You do not need to call the police for every car accident. If the crash was very minor, no one was injured, both of the vehicles are operating, and there is no debris in the road, then it is likely unnecessary to call the police; you can file an accident report later. However, if there is a chance that anyone is injured, there is debris from the accident in the road, and/or the vehicles cannot be moved and are obstructing traffic, you should call the police immediately.

If you have been injured due to an accident that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. Whether it was the result of a trucking accident or an aggravated assault, the experienced Central Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at HAWM Law are ready to help you fight to get you the compensation to which you are legally entitled. It is important not to waste any time, as Florida has statutes of limitations on how long you have to bring a personal injury claim.

What Documentation Do I Need?

While you wait for the police to come it is a good time to collect all relevant documentation. Be sure to take photographs of the scene, damage to all vehicles, license plates of all vehicles involved, and any injuries. You can also photograph the other drivers’ license, registration, and insurance information. This is recommended over copying their information down, as drivers are likely to make errors in transcription when in a state of shock. Taking a photograph is quick, easy, and (mostly) error proof.

What Do I Tell the Police?

Answer any questions the police have and be sure to tell them about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing as a result of the crash so that it is documented in the accident report. As noted above, many soft-tissue injuries, and even neck and spine injuries, can take days or weeks to manifest. This can make it hard to establish that the accident was the cause of the injury. Something as simple as mentioning your back pain in the initial accident report and seeking medical attention immediately after really helps establish the causal link.

Do I Need to Get Medical Attention?

Yes. Even if you are not sure you have any “serious” injuries it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. Some injuries are not apparent, but can be very serious if left unattended. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Talk to an Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident that was not your fault, you do not have to shoulder the burden alone. Contact the experienced Orlando Personal Injury Attorneys at HAWM Law today and schedule a consultation.

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