Anyone who gets into a car accident has to think logically about what to do next. Some drivers may want to visit the repair shop and drop off the car immediately, but it’s more logical to contact the auto insurance company and a personal injury lawyer. There are certain steps that most drivers in Florida should take immediately after getting into a car crash.
Call the police
A police officer is the first point of contact after a car accident. The officer creates an incident report that includes every detail of what happened. This report is often the primary source of evidence that a plaintiff uses to prove the defendant’s guilt in court.
The officer may interview witnesses who are present on the scene. The witness statements are also used in court and provide corroborating evidence of how the car crash happened.
Take photographs
If you’re not badly injured, take photographs of the crash scene with your phone or a witness’s phone to capture evidence of the damage on your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. This damage helps show who started the accident and how the crash contributed to the driver’s or passenger’s injuries. Photographs are the visual sources of evidence that prove the accuracy of the details in the police report.
Contact the insurance company
Contact your auto insurance provider once you’re safe and any injuries have been treated. Depending on the coverage you have, you may be compensated for liability if the other driver caused the accident. You may receive extra compensation for an additional policy like collision or comprehensive insurance coverage.
Handling an accident correctly
Right after you get into a car accident, you may think about your injuries and how you plan to pay for your medical bills. You may worry about the costs of the auto repair bills and which mechanic you will contact. You may be able to focus better by following this list of the most important steps to take after an accident.