Emotions – not to mention adrenaline – run high after a car accident. It is best to have a game plan in place before an accident ever takes place. Like insurance, it is something you hope you never need to use. Unlike insurance, this form of self-protection is free. Here is a top 10 list of things to consider following an accident:
1. If you are able to safely do so, move your vehicle out of the way. Turn on your emergency flashers. Make sure your vehicle is securely in “park.” Don’t cause a second accident by rushing to deal with the accident that has already happened.
2. Are you injured? If so, call 911 immediately and immediately tell the operator this is an accident with injuries so an ambulance can be dispatched without delay. Don’t assume your injuries aren’t serious. Let trained professionals diagnose you and, if necessary, treat you.
3. If you are not injured and you can safely do so, check everyone else involved in the accident for personal injuries. Now is not the time to argue about whose fault the accident is, etc. Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Tell the 911 operator up front that this is an accident with injuries, if that is the case.
4. Even if there are no injuries, call the police. ALWAYS. Let the police do their job and document the accident. Sometimes even seemingly minor accidents turn out to be something more. It doesn’t matter if you caused the accident or someone else did – protect yourself by calling the police.
5. While waiting for emergency personnel, NEVER stand in the roadway or in front of your car. Other drivers often gawk at an accident scene. Don’t survive a fender bender merely to become a wrongful death victim. Get safely out of the way. If your car is in the roadway, warn oncoming drivers as best as you safely can.
6. If you are not injured, take pictures. If you are injured and someone is with you who isn’t, ask them to take pictures. Most cell phones today take good quality pictures. Photograph the vehicles (take multiple pictures of the property damage) and the scene (taking particular care to document skid marks and debris in the roadway).
7. DO NOT DISCUSS HOW THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED WITH ANYONE OTHER THAN THE POLICE. Cooperate fully with the police. Tell them what happened. In Florida, statements made to police officers following a simple car accident are privileged and cannot be used against you in a civil case. Admissions of fault to others can always be used against you; they are NOT “hearsay.”
8. Be sure you exchange information. Do not leave the scene without getting the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information (name of company, policy number & name and number of agent) for all drivers – regardless of whom you believe to be at fault for the accident. Get as much information you can from all potential witnesses. If a helpful witness needs to leave, take their name, address, and telephone number so they can be contacted later.
9. Report the accident to your insurance company ASAP. You have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation. Do NOT discuss the accident with an adjuster representing one of the other drivers. This adjuster is not your friend and is really trying to have you say something helpful to her insured.
10. If you are injured, call us. Personal injury and wrongful death is what we do. Please visit our web site for additional information about our experience and qualifications: www.lesserlawfirm.com
