What to Do After an Auto Accident in Orlando, Florida

Getting into a car accident is one of the most stressful things you can experience, especially if it’s your first accident. To make things worse, the insurance companies will try to nickel and dime you every step of the way. Thus, the steps you take immediately following a crash can seriously impact your claim for damages. That’s why you should consider consulting with an Orlando car accident attorney right away.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Orlando Car Accident

If you find yourself in in a car accident in Orlando, taking swift and strategic action is crucial for your safety, well-being, and any claim for damages you might choose to pursue. Here’s a list of things you can do to protect yourself and your legal rights:

Get to Safety: Move out of the way of danger if you can. That way, you’ll have the best chance of avoiding any further harm.
Don’t Leave the Scene of the Accident: You may be tempted to leave the scene of the crash to escape the stress of the situation. However, leaving the scene of a crash could cause you serious legal problems and could result in criminal charges, especially if someone else was injured. Thus, you should stay at the scene of the crash until police or emergency personnel arrive.
Contact the Authorities: Dial 911 right away to report the accident and get help for anyone that was injured. That way, you can be sure that police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene of the crash as soon as possible.
Gather Evidence at the Scene: If you can, take photographs of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the scene of the collision. Also, collect the names and contact information of the other parties involved, as well as any witnesses. If possible, get the insurance information from anyone else that was involved with the crash.
Seek Medical Treatment if Needed: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent because the adrenaline of a car crash can mask pain temporarily. Additionally, you need to seek medical treatment within 14 days of a traffic crash in Florida to be eligible for your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
Notify You Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company right away, regardless of whether you were at fault for the crash. If you have questions about insurance coverage, be sure to ask. That way, you can clear up any ambiguities at the outset.
Talk to an Attorney Before Giving a Recorded Statement: Consult with an Orlando personal injury attorney before providing any recorded statements to insurance companies to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Don’t Talk About the Crash on Social Media: Do not post any details about your auto accident online because the insurance company may use your words against you to minimize or deny your claim.
Follow the Advice of Your Doctors: Stay consistent with your medical treatment and do what your doctors tell you to do. Any gap in medical treatment could reduce the value of your personal injury claim.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you have some of the information you need to pursue a successful personal injury claim. Your attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities that follow an automobile accident, whether you’re pursuing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim.

Spetsas Buist Will Fight for You Like Family

If you’ve been injured or if you lost a loved one because of a careless or reckless driver, you don’t have to face the insurance companies and defense attorneys alone. Let our lawyers at Spetsas Buist stand by your side. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve, and we will make sure your voice is heard.