Florida is home to more than 17 million drivers. Each year, there are almost 400,000 accidents on roadways throughout the state. With these statistics, it’s clear that the likelihood of an accident in the Sunshine State is high.
It doesn’t matter if you have been in a minor fender bender or a more serious accident; you may be shaken up and overwhelmed by the situation, making it difficult to think straight.
Since this is the case, it’s good to educate yourself before an accident occurs. Knowing what to do now will help you if you are ever involved in an Orlando car accident.
Keep in mind that it’s also smart to contact our legal team at Zimmet & Zimmet as soon after your accident as possible. Our legal team will get to work to help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.
Now let’s dive into the steps you should take after an Orlando auto accident.
See if Anyone Is Injured
You should never leave a car accident scene, even if it’s minor. Your priority is to ensure you are safe and that everyone else involved in the accident is safe. Everything besides that can wait.
If someone is injured, be sure to request medical attention.
Get to Safety
Once you have assessed everyone for injuries, you need to get to safety. Move your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible. Get out and turn on the emergency flashers. Contact the police, even for minor accidents, to have a police report created.
Remain at the scene until the authorities arrive. Remember, if you leave the scene of the accident, you may face criminal charges.
Exchange Information
After you ensure everyone is safe, and all injuries are accounted for, you need to exchange information with the other driver. Some of the most important information you need to exchange after an Orlando accident includes:
- Name and contact information
- Insurance information (company and policy number)
- License plate number and driver’s license
- Model, type, and color of the other vehicle
- The location where the accident occurred
It’s best to avoid talking about fault when exchanging information with the other driver. After filing an insurance claim, the insurance adjuster will review the information to determine who is at fault based on vehicle and property damage. It’s also important to talk to the police and ensure they have this information.
Document the Accident Scene
Record as many details as you can about the accident. You can do this with the camera on your smartphone.
Look at the damage to your vehicle. For example, was it a car rear accident, side, or front? The easiest way to do this is by taking a photo of the whole vehicle with close-up shots of the damages to both vehicles and the other person involved.
Be sure you record the time and date of your accident and take photos or videos of the whole scene. This should include property damage and skid marks. Write down or photo street names and what direction both vehicles were headed before and after the car accident occurred.
One factor that is often missed or overlooked when gathering information is the position of all vehicles involved in relation to the road. This is important information because it will help the insurance adjuster re-create how the accident happened when your claim is reported.
You can even create a sketch of the accident scene on your phone. To do this, use the voice memo app on your phone and state what happened while you remember all the details. Be sure to include information related to visibility and weather.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Emotions often run high after an accident. Also, in these situations, you will likely have adrenaline pumping through your system, which may make you more talkative than usual. This is caused by the fight or flight response to any scary or sudden event.
It’s best to try to remain calm and don’t say too much. If you do talk, don’t apologize or say anything else that may be considered an admission of guilt. This is only going to hurt your ability to recover compensation in the future.
Get Medical Attention
Right after an accident, you may feel fine; however, there are some injuries that will only become apparent after a few days. Even a minor Orlando car accident can cause serious spinal or head injuries. Because of this, it’s important to visit a doctor after an accident for a full evaluation.
Also, going to the doctor will establish a record of the accident and the injuries you suffered because of it, which will also be beneficial for your future accident claim. The documents and paperwork you receive will provide proof of the injuries you incurred.
Be Proactive About the Situation
When you are prepared, it’s much easier to remain calm. One way to be proactive is to have your insurance provider’s app downloaded and all the forms that guide you through the claims process.
Be sure to keep your car registration, insurance card, and other important documents in an easy-to-find location in case you are ever involved in an Orlando accident.
Being prepared after an accident is essential since most people won’t be able to think clearly or handle the situation on the fly.
Get in Touch with Our Legal Team for Assistance with Your Orlando Car Accident Claim
When it comes to your Orlando car accident situation, there are more than a few factors to consider. At Zimmet & Zimmet, our legal team is here to help you with your claim and any questions you have every step of the way.
While it can be confusing to know what to do and where to turn, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation. We have experience and expertise helping accident victims just like you get the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries and damages caused by someone else in an Orlando car accident.
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