What to do After an Accident?

Orlando, Florida, Injury Attorney

If you drive a motor vehicle the chances are good that you will be involved in an accident at some point in your life. Even the best drivers cannot control the behavior of others on the road.

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If you are involved in an accident involving a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of motor vehicle, it is important to know what to do. What happens immediately following an accident can have a bearing on whether or not you will be able to later receive compensation for the full extent of damages you suffered.

What to do After an Accident

In general, you should first seek aid for any injuries and then take actions that will create a record of what happened and preserve evidence. It's wise to have an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, a pen and paper, and a disposable camera in your glove box or trunk.

Please follow these steps:

1. Get medical assistance. If you or anyone else in the accident has been injured, get medical treatment as soon as possible.

2. Call police. Request that an accident report be created and obtain the accident report number.

3. Exchange information with other drivers. Write down the name, address, phone number, driver's license number, and insurance policy number for all drivers involved in the accident. Write down the vehicle identification number and license plate number of all other motor vehicles. Find out who owns and insures the vehicle, if that person is someone other than the driver. Note the make and model of each vehicle and whether they were damaged. Make sure you get the correct information and be aware that the person at fault may try and leave the scene of the accident.

4. Speak carefully. Be polite, but do not tell other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault. Refrain from discussing your injuries—or lack of them—with other drivers.

5. Talk to witnesses. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Find out what they saw. They may be able to help you if other drivers disagree with your description of events.

6. Take photographs or video. Record the scene of the accident and damage to each vehicle. Take photographs from many angles as well as close ups of damaged areas. If you have any signs of physical injury, such as cuts or bruises, take photographs as soon as possible. Be sure you get the photos printed promptly. If you have a video camera or phone that has video capacity, videotape the accident scene, hospital visit, and any injuries you may have suffered.

8. Don't sign anything. An insurance adjuster may contact you and offer you a quick settlement. By signing such an agreement, you give up your right to be compensated for injuries and other damages that may develop later. REMEMBER INSURANCE ADJUSTERS REPRESENT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND THEIR JOB IS TO SAVE THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY MONEY.

7. Contact an attorney. A personal injury lawyer will be able to give you legal advice to protect your interests. At The Umansky Law Firm, we will deal with the insurance companies, so you can focus on your medical treatment and physical recovery.

From our offices in Winter Park and Orlando, we help victims of auto accidents every day. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have been involved in an accident.