After leaving the scene of a car accident, you may be heading straight to a hospital or returning home wondering what to do next. Your health comes first. Once you have addressed your immediate medical needs, there are practical steps you can take to document what happened and avoid decisions you may later regret.
In the video above, Scott Marshall of Marshall Injury Attorneys explains what to focus on after a Florida car accident.
Put your health first
Some people leave the accident scene with emergency services and go directly to the hospital. Others arrange a ride home and then consider whether they need medical attention.
Scott’s first point is straightforward: make your health the priority and get the medical care you need. The other tasks that follow an accident should not distract you from addressing your injuries.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to let them know what happened and obtain a claim number. Keep that number with your accident records so you can refer to it when communicating about your claim.
Keep your driver exchange information
For a car accident, keep the driver exchange document provided to you. Review it for the other driver’s details and any witness information that was recorded.
Keep the available information together. Having it organised will make it easier to explain what happened and identify people who may have witnessed the collision.
Write down what you remember while it is fresh
Scott recommends writing down your recollection on the day of the accident or the following day, while the details are still fresh.
Memories fade, and people can unintentionally fill in gaps over time. Record what you actually remember, including details that may seem minor. Avoid guessing about anything you are unsure of.
Be careful about social media
Scott advises avoiding social media posts after an accident and throughout the claim. Material you share online may be used by an insurance company to challenge your account of your injuries or their impact.
Before posting about the accident, your activities or your recovery, consider how that material could be interpreted outside its original context.
Do not rush into a settlement
You may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company offering a quick settlement. Scott cautions against accepting simply because you initially think you are unharmed.
As he explains in the video, some injuries may not become apparent immediately. You need time to understand your condition and the effect the accident has had on you.
A settlement may involve signing a release that prevents you from seeking further compensation later. Discovering an injury after signing could leave you unable to reopen the claim. Understand what you are agreeing to before accepting an offer or signing documents.
Your next steps after a Florida car accident
- Make your health and medical care the first priority.
- Notify your insurance company and obtain a claim number.
- Keep your driver exchange document and available witness details.
- Write down your recollection while it is fresh.
- Follow Scott’s advice to avoid social media during your claim.
- Take time to understand your injuries and any proposed settlement.
Have questions about what happens next?
If you are unsure how to move forward after a Florida car accident, Marshall Injury Attorneys can discuss your situation and explain your options.
Request a free case review or call 727-772-5900.
This article summarises Scott Marshall’s video and provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different.
