- Call the police. After a car accident, it is important to report the accident to the local police, Florida Highway Patrol, or the sheriff. If the accident caused damages that exceed $500, this report will be necessary to get compensation later. If you’re not sure if calling the police is necessary, call them anyway to be safe.
- Get the vehicles out of the way. If no one is injured and the vehicles are still working, move them out of the flow of traffic.
- Exchange insurance and contact information. If you were not seriously injured, obtain the names, addresses, insurance information and phone numbers of the other drivers involved in the accident. Also, take a photo of the other car’s license plate and insurance card.
- Take photos. If possible, use your smartphone to take photos of the vehicles and accident scene. These pictures may be useful when dealing with other drivers concerning fault or with the car insurance companies.
- Do not admit fault. Whether talking to a police officer or another driver, explain what you believe happened. Tell the truth, but do not say you caused the accident. You might learn later that you weren’t at fault or that you were only partially at fault.
- Organize your evidence. This means backing up your photographs and gathering all the information you have concerning what happened. It will usually be helpful to takes notes about where the accident occurred, when it occurred and how it occurred. Memories fade with time and it will be useful to have something to reference when speaking with your car insurance company or attorney.
- Notify your car insurance company. Under Florida’s no-fault law, you will initially file a claim with your own insurance company after an auto accident. This is the case even if the accident was not your fault. It’s a good idea to notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan on filing a claim.
- Contact an attorney. After a car accident, contact a car accident attorney to get advice regarding your rights and responsibilities. While an attorney may not be necessary for a simple fender-bender, it’s strongly recommended you have one if the accident resulted in any serious injury or if you may be facing criminal prosecution.
Carla
West Palm Beach, Florida
They made the whole process really easy. They updated me with what was going on with my car insurance, they helped me out with where to go to get a car rental. They knew my case, they knew who I was, and they could really just guide me toward the right direction.