A. Call 911 and document the scene:

• Move to a safe location and turn on hazard lights.  Be cautious, especially if road rage or a potential crime is involved.

• Check for injuries.  When you are in a safe location, check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident.  

• Call 911. If you used another person’s phone to call 911, remember their phone number.  Your attorney may need the number to request a copy of the 911 tape. 

• Document the scene and take photos.  Photograph any bruises, crash damage, shattered glass, and road debris.

• Stay at the Scene: Never leave until police complete their report.

• Obtain your Florida Driver Exchange from the police.  The full police report should be available in ten days or less.  If for some reason police failed to create a report for the accident, use this portal.  https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/

• Seek immediate medical care!  

• Show your car insurance to all First Responders.

• Remember: Florida is a no-fault state for insurance purposes.  Provide your car insurance information to any medical providers, including paramedics, and ambulance company.  

• Florida’s 14-day rule. Florida’s 14-day rulerequires medical treatment within two weeks to claim no-fault (PIP) benefits.

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B. Gather your evidence:

• Save contact information for everyone involved.  Note names and badge numbers.

• Take down vehicle license plate numbers.

• Photograph damages and the scene.

• Write down eyewitness names and statements.

• Note road and weather conditions.

• Save any hospital discharge paperwork, wristbands, neck braces, or arm slings.

• Save prescription bills and any receipts related to your medical care and recovery.

• Keep a diary of treatment and appointments after the accident.

• Did someone record the accident on video?  Save the name and number.​

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C. Hire an attorney:

• Don't handle any calls with the insurance companies, even your own.

• Allow your attorney to notify your insurance company of the loss and handle the process of obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and car repair. 

• Your attorney should be able to obtain a verbal disclosure of policy limits within 24-48 hours.  If an attorney makes you wait 30-days to learn policy information, proceed with caution.

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Final Thoughts:

• Stay calm, be organized, and protect your rights.

• Seek legal or medical help when in doubt.

• Being informed empowers you to recover both physically and financially.

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Sources: 

The fourteen day rule: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.736.html

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Compare the insurance industry's recommendations of what to do after an accident: https://www.iii.org/article/scene-accident

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Accident report self-help portal:  https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/

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