We strongly suggest you follow these 10 tips after an accident:
1. KEEP CALM Call 911 to report the accident and be sure to advise the 911 operator if anyone is injured. In Florida, you are required to have a Traffic Crash Report completed if the crash results in death, bodily injury or damage to property of at least $500.00.
2. MOVE YOUR VEHICLE If your vehicle is a hazard for other vehicles, move it out of the way if it is safe to do so.
3. AVOID FURTHER INJURY Turn off the ignitions of all cars involved. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger; try to keep him or her warm. Stand away from the vehicles in case they are hit again.
4. AVOID CONFRONTATION AT THE SCENE The scene of a car crash is no place to get into an argument with the other driver(s) over who is at fault. It is best not to discuss how the accident happended. Wait for the police and cooperate fully with the police.
5. EXCHANGE INFORMATION Although you shouldn't discuss responsibility for the accident with the other driver(s), you SHOULD exchange information. Specifically, you will beed to exchange driver's licenses, registration, license plate numbers and insurance information. Make sure the insurance card they provide you has current effective dates.
6. WITNESSES Even if the other driver admits fault, it is still helpful to obtain the names, home addresses and all telephone numbers of as many witnesses as possible.
7. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION If you experience even minor pain, you should see medical attention as soon as possible.
8. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS We recommend that you keep a disposable camera in your glove box. Photograph any injuries to your body and make sure that all areas of damage to your vehicle are photographed before repairs are done.
9. PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS Although you generally must provide reasonable cooperation with your own insurance company's investigation of the accident, the same is NOT true for the at fault driver's insurance company. For example, you are under no obligation to provide the other driver's insurance company with any sort of statement concerning the accident. You should consult with an attorney before giving a statement to anyone-even your own insurance company.
10. CONSIDER CALLING US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE We have vast experience in handling motor vehicle and motorcycle accident cases. We care, and we will help you take all the appropriate steps to protect your rights and interests. Why settle for less?
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Amanda Downing, Fort Myers, Florida- Personal Injury Attorney
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