It sounds like something your mother would say, but accidents really do happen when you least expect them. People drive the I-95 every day, walk along the busy streets of Miami, or ride their bikes in Tampa, only to be struck by drunk or distracted drivers.
Are you prepared in case something like this happens to you? Considering that there are 6 million accidents in the U.S. every year, including in Florida, you can no longer say, ‘It won’t happen to me.’
Instead of shrugging off the possibility of being hurt in a car crash or hit-and-run, you should educate yourself on what to do afterward.
The Reality of Accidents in Florida
Florida is well known for traffic, tourist hordes, and dangerous weather. All of these factors contribute to the risk of accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) revealed more than 394,000 accidents happened in the state in 2023 alone.
This resulted in thousands of injuries and fatalities. These numbers should motivate you to get all the information you need to prepare for the possibility of getting involved in an accident.
How to Prepare for an Accident
First, preparing for an accident does not mean it will happen. Some people believe preparing for something means it will occur, so they never prepare at all.
The fact is that your preparations make you technically ready for an accident. It allows you to protect your rights when someone hits you or your car because of negligence and distraction.
Preparing the right way includes:
- Getting proper insurance coverage. As a driver in Florida, you must carry PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance. Florida is a no-fault state so that this insurance will cover some of your expenses after an accident.
- However, it is important to note that the minimum coverage required may not cover all your expenses and losses. You must consider increasing your coverage to include bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
- Without these extras, you will only have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability.
- Storing emergency contacts. You should have a list of emergency contacts in your phone anyway. Expand the list to include the numbers of your insurance provider, lawyer, and local law enforcement. You will likely need to call all of them after an accident.
- Memorize what to do after an accident. If the worst happens, and you are in an accident, what you do next matters. Try to memorize the next sequence:
- Check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services.
- If your car is in the way of oncoming traffic, move it to the side of the road.
- Do not leave the scene under any circumstances (if possible).
- If you can, exchange information with the other driver and get their insurance details. You cannot do this right away if you are in a hit-and-run.
- If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. These images can be considered evidence later if you want to file a personal injury case.
- Get statements from witnesses who saw what happened. If you cannot get their version of events immediately, get their names and numbers so you can contact them later.
- Remember to call the police to get a copy of the accident report.
It is also important to remember that Florida changed the statute of limitations for personal injury claims to two years as of March 2023. If you want to file a lawsuit, you must act quickly.
What Not to Do After an Accident
There is also a list of things you should not do after an accident. The first and most critical is that you must never admit fault at the scene. Do not apologize or say, ‘If only I had not done this or that, the accident would not have happened.’
It is not always easy to stop talking, especially in shock. This is why it is imperative to memorize this list, too. It could help you to remember to state only facts when speaking to the police and your insurer.
Another thing you should never do after an accident is delay or refuse medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered internal injuries that could become much worse over time.
Do not neglect to report the accident. In Florida, you must report any accident involving injury, severe property damage, or death.
You must call your insurance company to tell them about the accident when you leave the scene. Again, state only the facts. Do not speculate about who may or may not be to blame for the accident.
Why You Should Call Your Lawyer
Your lawyer should be one of the first people you call after an accident. Your lawyer will help you file your insurance claim. They will also negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Moreover, your lawyer will ensure you file a personal injury claim on time if you believe you were not at fault for the accident.
There are several indicators that you need a lawyer’s help. If you suffered severe injuries, your lawyer can guide you on your next steps. Your lawyer can negotiate a fair payout if you have already filed an insurance claim and get a low settlement offer.
If your case becomes complicated because of disputed liability, your lawyer can step in with an investigation of their own. The same applies if the accident involves a commercial vehicle or multiple parties.
Your Goal Should Be to Avoid an Accident
While you cannot always avoid an accident, you can take steps to reduce the risk. These include never texting while driving and following all traffic laws. You must keep your car in roadworthy condition and practice defensive driving techniques.
Even if you don’t have a car, you must take precautionary steps as a cyclist or pedestrian. Always use designated crosswalks and bicycle lanes. And keep your eyes and ears open for errant drivers.
Most importantly, do not drink or use drugs before taking to the streets. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
By staying informed, being insured, and being ready for whatever 2025 brings, you will know what to do after an accident. You will also be able to get the compensation you need with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer.
