What to Do After a Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be a frightening, stressful experience, especially if there are injuries. While we hope you never have this experience, learning what to do in this situation can help you stay calm and cool under the pressure.

Call for Medical Attention and The Police.

Immediately after a car accident, you should get to a safe area right away. Seek medical attention for yourself and the other people involved in the accident. Call 911 if emergency services are needed; if not, you can dial your local police dispatch. Even if you think you are fine, it is important to be checked out by a medical professional after a car accident. Some injuries may not be obvious to the untrained eye. It is also normal for injuries to show up several days after a car accident. Be sure to see your doctor as soon as you become aware of an injury.

Contact Your Insurance Company and A Personal Injury Lawyer.

Your insurance company should be notified within 72 hours of a car accident. However, dealing with insurance companies is tricky business that is best done under the guidance of an experienced attorney. Do not give interviews, statements, or admissions of fault to an insurance representative until you have spoken to a lawyer.

Gather Evidence.

Beginning at the scene of the accident, it can be very helpful to collect evidence that is relevant to your car accident, should you decide to pursue a claim. At the accident site, take photographs if you can do so safely. Get the contact information of every person you speak with about the accident: the other driver, witnesses, insurance agents, and the police officer that responded to your accident. Request a copy of the accident report from the police department. You should also take care to ensure that your injuries are carefully documented. You can do this through photographs of your injuries, personal notes, and speaking frankly with your doctor in a way that allows him to document the full scope of your injuries in your medical records.

Schedule a Free Consultation with A Florida Car Accident Attorney.

Oldham & Smith are respected personal injury attorneys with offices in Tavares, Bushnell, and Orlando, Florida. We offer a consultation to car accident victims, free of charge and obligation. Contact us today to schedule your free case review.