Being involved in a car accident is overwhelming. The decisions you make in the minutes and hours following a crash can have a significant impact on your health, your safety, and your ability to recover fair compensation.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety is the top priority. Call 911 immediately. A police report is one of the most important documents in a personal injury claim — it creates an official record of what happened. Do not leave the scene before police arrive.
2. Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
Many serious injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, do not present immediate symptoms. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies aggressively argue that gaps in treatment mean your injuries were not serious.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers and witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault
Even a simple "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. Florida follows a comparative negligence system — let the police and insurance adjusters determine fault based on evidence.
5. Report to Your Insurance Company
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own insurance pays initial medical bills through PIP coverage. Report the accident promptly, but stick to basic facts. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney First
Insurance adjusters may contact you within hours. Having an attorney before you speak with them levels the playing field dramatically. At Orlan Injury Law, we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Have questions about your case? Call Orlan Injury Law at 954-281-2540 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
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