Guidelines

Every year, nearly 400,000 motor vehicle accidents occur across Florida. In these moments of uncertainty and stress, staying calm is essential, and having a knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you navigate the aftermath with confidence.

At Williams and Yoho, our goal is to provide the support you need after a car accident. To help, we’ve created a clear, step-by-step guide on what actions to take when faced with this challenging situation.

Stay calm and check the situation. Turn on your hazard lights. If you're not hurt and it's safe, move your car to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. But if the accident is serious or someone is hurt, leave the cars where they are. Check if anyone is injured. Don’t move if you don’t feel safe, and don’t try to move anyone who is injured. Even for small injuries, call 9-1-1 for help.

It's important to report the accident to the police, no matter how minor it seems. An official police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters. When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information but avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened. Ideally, you should call your car accident attorneys to inform them about the situation and wait for their instructions.

Gather information from the other driver(s) involved. This includes:

But, when exchanging information avoid admitting fault, making accusations, or apologizing, as these can be seen as admissions of liability in some states. Avoid discussing the accident in detail with anyone besides your attorney. Let professionals handle the fact-gathering to avoid unintentionally weakening your case.

Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Capture different angles and include street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions. These photos can be crucial evidence later on as your car accident attorneys will need them to build your case.

If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of the accident, which can be very helpful if there's a dispute about what happened.

Even if you don’t have visible injuries, it’s wise to go to the doctor. Concussion, whiplash, internal bleeding, or herniated disc are just a few injuries not visible right after an accident that can worsen if not treated immediately. Keep all medical records and receipts, as they will be important for your claim.

It is crucial to keep a comprehensive record of all costs associated with accidents, such as medical expenses, repair bills, and lost income from work absence. This detailed documentation will play a vital role in pursuing compensation.

After an accident, it's crucial to inform your insurance provider right away. This helps speed up the claims process, ensuring you're covered for damages or medical expenses. Timely reporting also protects you from any delayed claims from the other party. Many insurers offer multiple options for filing claims, including via mobile apps, online platforms, or by phone. Acting quickly ensures that your claim is handled efficiently, reducing potential complications or delays in coverage.

In some states, you are required to report an accident to the DMV, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Failure to file a report within the given timeframe can result in penalties. Since each state has its own rules, it's important to check the specific requirements of the state where the accident happened. Reporting the incident provides an official record that can be vital for resolving any disputes or legal claims.

Reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer, such as Williams and Yoho. Dealing with the intricate legal aspects of a car accident can feel overwhelming, but our team is available to provide assistance. We will lead you through the procedures, safeguard your legal entitlements, and guarantee you obtain the appropriate compensation. Remember, stay calm, document everything, and don't hesitate to seek professional help and reach out to us.