What Can I Expect After A Car Accident?

​“What should I do after I’m involved in an accident?”

“Should I bother calling the police? The accident seems minor.”

“I feel fine. Do I need to visit the emergency room?”

This helpful guide will help to answer these questions and others you might have after an accident. Car accidents can be a frightening experience, but these useful tips can make you feel prepared.  

You may be in shock as your adrenaline races, but it is important to try to remain calm. Here are steps to take immediately after your accident. 

AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

• Put your car in park and turn the engine off. Be sure to get to a safe place and move any vehicles that may be blocking traffic if you are able to. 
• Call 911 and report any injuries immediately. Speak to paramedics and determine if transport to a hospital is needed. Even if transport to a hospital is not needed, consider driving to the emergency room yourself or visiting an urgent care center if you feel pain.
• Take pictures and video of the accident. This is especially important if the other side is disputing how the accident happened. 
• If your car cannot be driven, it will need to be towed. Remove all personal items including any garage door openers, SunPass monitors and your car registration.
• Call your insurance company and report the accident. The police officer or community service aide will also take an account of what happened for the accident report. They will also document all parties’ insurance information. 
• Do not admit fault or any wrongdoing.

You’ve had some time to come to terms with your accident. These are steps you can take next:
AT HOME AFTER THE ACCIDENT

• Get a hold of an accident attorney to determine if you have a case, even if you think that you may be somewhat at fault. Speaking with an attorney helps to alleviate your burdens and an attorney will advise you on possible next steps.
• Determine if you will use your insurance or the at fault party’s insurance for damages to your car.  
• Talk to an insurance adjuster with (or from?) your own insurance company about your injuries. Your attorney will assist you on what to expect when speaking with an adjuster.  

IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT

• Monitor how you are feeling as time progresses after the accident. Injuries and soreness may occur later.  You have up to 14 days to see a medical professional to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.  
• Your insurance company may want to take a recorded statement from you about the accident. 
• It is illegal for Florida attorneys to send any mailers to accident victims until 30 days after the accident.