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Twice a year the amount of traffic on the roads in Florida significantly increases – and so do your chances of being in a car accident!
It’s hard not to notice the change in traffic commutes when schools resume in August and snowbirds return later in the fall. Holiday and vacation travelers to Florida with intentions on escaping the cold in the north also add to the increased number of cars on the road during the winter months.
With more cars on the road, the unfortunate likelihood of you or a loved one being in a car accident dramatically increases. While we don’t mean to frighten you with this information, we do want you to be informed and prepared.
After a car accident in Florida, you may be confused, shaken up and hopefully not seriously injured. Your mind and emotions are scattered and it’s hard to think straight.
However, if you are involved in a car accident, there are several things you need to do to protect yourself:
Assess Your Medical Injuries
Complete a personal medical assessment of yourself and decide whether you need emergency medical treatment. Always check on the other people involved in the accident to make sure they are OK as well.
If you are not seriously hurt and in need of ambulatory assistance, we always suggest you see a doctor the same day or the next, as Florida law states you need to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident in Florida to qualify for PIP benefits.
Call The Police
We advise you to call the police 100% of the time after a car accident. Do not be convinced to simply exchange numbers and agree to fix or have your car fixed out of pocket by the other party.
The accident should be properly documented, a report made, and information recorded and exchanged.
Take Pictures
If possible, it’s important to take pictures of your car and the surrounding environment.
Try to get pictures of all vehicle damage and the entire accident scene – this includes both your car and the others involved. Always take pictures of the other parties’ vehicle damage as opposing insurance company won’t ever share these with you.
Move Your Vehicle Out Of Traffic
If it is not a serious accident, try to move your vehicles out of passing traffic lanes.
Do not stand in the road or directly next to your car while waiting for the police or tow trucks. Stand far away from your vehicle and off to the side of the road to avoid any further accidents and injuries.
Get Witness Information
If any witnesses stop to offer assistance or provide a statement, be sure to get their contact information so they may be reached in the future if needed.
Having accurate witness testimony can be extremely valuable when proving fault of the accident.
Provide Accurate Information
After you have checked on the health and safety of any others in the car accident, do not have any further discussions regarding the accident.
Take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts before making any statement, as it can be a very stressful and emotional time. Do not discuss any details of the accidents with anyone except the reporting officer.
Be sure to also never admit any fault – let the professionals make that determination after a proper investigation.
Speak With A Personal Injury Attorney
Florida laws are extremely complex and insurance companies are never easy to deal with.
It’s important for you to speak with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the process following a car accident.
The personal injury attorneys at the Eltringham Law Group in Boca Raton have unparalleled experience with car accident cases in Florida and have been extremely successful in recovering damages for their clients.
The Eltringham Law Group believes that your health is the most valuable thing you have. Therefore, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries after a car accident is your only responsibility as a client.
Our personal injury team will handle everything with
- insurance companies
- reports
- bills
- and more
When you need a lawyer you can trust, who will listen to you and fight for the financial justice you deserve, call our personal injury team at the Eltringham Law Group.
Our attorneys and staff are available 24 hours and here to help you and your loved ones.
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