What to do at the Scene of an Accident
Preserve your rights from the start.
So, you’ve been an accident—what now?
Step One: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Immediately activate your hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic then ensure you and your passengers are uninjured.
Step Two: Stay at the Scene of the Accident and Immediately Call 911
Leaving the scene of an accident is never a good idea. Do not leave the scene of the accident until law enforcement has completed their investigation—even if you have exchanged information with the other driver on your own.
Since you have called 911, an officer will be at the scene shortly to investigate. The officer will get the facts from each party and prepare a crash report. The investigating officer’s name, department and badge number will be present on the crash report. The crash report will also include the insurance information for all parties as well as statements of any independent witnesses who come forward at the scene.
Step Three: Collect Evidence
If you are safely and physically able to, be sure to take photographs and or videos of property damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved, skid marks, injuries, and damage to property in the vicinity.
Finally, take note of businesses or homes nearby which may have video surveillance. Your lawyer may want to request the preservation of these forms of evidence or request a copy.
Step Four: Exchange Insurance and Contact Information
If officers do not arrive at the scene in a timely manner or you have decided not to call 911 be sure to get the names, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers of the other drivers involved in the accident.
If there are independent witnesses at the scene also get their contact information in the event you need to request a statement from them.
While collecting information remember that you should not apologize, admit fault or promise the other driver anything.
Step Five: Call a Lawyer
Contact a lawyer that specializes in automobile accidents as soon possible. Refrain from providing recorded statements to insurance companies, negotiating a settlement, or signing anything from the other driver’s insurance company until you speak to a lawyer.
Step Six: Notify Your Car Insurance Company
You may call your insurance company to let them know you have been in an accident. Your lawyer may also report the accident on your behalf. Regardless of who makes the report, be sure it is done in a timely manner so that you remain in compliance with your insurance policy.
If you decide to report the accident on your own but are represented by a lawyer, be sure to inform your insurance company of your legal representation.
Step Seven: Immediately Seek Medical Treatment
In the sunshine state, drivers with automobile insurance have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers some of the medical expenses you incur following an automobile accident up to $10,000.00. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days for PIP to be applicable.
Furthermore, since soft tissue injuries often take days or even weeks to fully manifest, you may not immediately realize you are injured but it is best to get checked out at a medical facility anyway and preserve your right to PIP benefits.
