What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
A car crash can happen in an instant—and what you do next can have a serious impact on your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, here are the essential steps you should take to protect yourself and your case.
1. Call 911 Immediately
Your first priority after a crash should be your safety and the safety of others. Dial 911 right away. Emergency responders will ensure everyone receives medical attention and the police can document the scene—something that may be critical for your injury claim later on.
If you’re not sure where you are, try to find a nearby landmark or ask someone nearby for help so you can direct emergency services accurately.
2. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, check your body for visible injuries. Accidents can trigger an adrenaline rush, masking symptoms of trauma like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries. Commonly affected areas include the head, neck, back, arms, and legs.
If you feel dizzy or disoriented, sit or lie down and try not to move around. Remain calm until help arrives.
3. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine
Never assume you’re uninjured just because you feel okay in the moment. Many car accident injuries don’t show symptoms until hours—or even days—later. Conditions like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), soft tissue injuries, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are often delayed-onset but can lead to lasting damage.
Get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. This also creates a documented medical record—essential evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
4. Stay Clear of Traffic
Avoid standing near moving vehicles or lingering on the roadway. If your vehicle can be safely moved, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened, or move to a safe area away from oncoming traffic.
5. Document the Scene
While you wait for authorities, gather as much information as possible:
-
Take photos of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details.
-
Record license plates, makes and models, and the exact location of the accident.
-
Write down what happened—include the date, time, weather, traffic conditions, and any relevant details about how the crash occurred.
-
Note damage to other property like guardrails, fences, or buildings.
This documentation can strengthen your insurance claim or lawsuit.
6. Exchange Information
Make sure to collect contact and insurance information from all other drivers involved, including:
-
Full name
-
Phone number
-
Driver’s license number
-
Insurance company and policy number
-
Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
If there were any witnesses, try to get their names and contact information as well.
7. File a Police Report
When law enforcement arrives, provide a truthful and detailed statement. This report will serve as an official record of the crash and may play a crucial role in proving fault and damages later. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the report for your records.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your auto insurance provider as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide photos, the police report, and other documentation. An adjuster may be assigned to assess the damage and help initiate your claim.
Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened—stick to the facts.
9. Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney Before Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurer
The other driver’s insurance company may try to contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t say anything or accept any offers before speaking to a qualified personal injury lawyer.
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Group, we fight to make sure car accident victims receive the full compensation they deserve—whether for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
10. Know Your Rights—Let Us Protect Them
Our experienced legal team knows how to investigate crash scenes, work with medical experts, and negotiate with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. If you were hurt in a Florida car accident, don’t try to handle everything on your own.
Let us focus on the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Injured in a Car Accident? We’re Here to Help.
The moments after a crash are overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Applebaum Accident & Injury Group today for a free consultation. Let us review your case and explain your legal options.
📞 Call us now(855)-Call-Paul
or fill out our secure contact form to get started.
