LegalReader.com  ·  Legal News, Analysis, & Commentary

Lawsuits & Litigation

The Legal Procedure After a Car Accident in Florida


— June 1, 2022

If any people witnessed the collision, ask for their names and phone numbers.


Nobody gets on the road expecting to be involved in a car accident. Yet, every day, hundreds of vehicle accidents take place in Florida. Many collisions cause significant damage and injuries.

When you are recovering from your wounds, battling for maximum compensation may be daunting. Understanding the auto accident claims procedure and collaborating with an expert personal injury lawyer may make a difficult situation easier to handle.

Remain at the Scene and Report the Accident

Do not depart the scene after a crash. According to Florida vehicle accident legislation, you must report any collision that causes bodily harm, death, property damage worth more than $500, includes an intoxicated motorist, or was a hit-and-run.

Contact the Florida Highway Patrol or the relevant law enforcement agency in your region. It is crucial to report the collision and get an official crash report. The police will investigate the accident scene and draw conclusions about what happened. This will help in personal injury lawsuits or insurance payouts.

The police will also write up an incident report. Make sure you obtain a copy, as this will serve as an essential piece of evidence if you decide to take legal action.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you are not transported to a medical facility by rescue medical personnel, you must visit a doctor even if you think your injuries are minor. A health care professional will correctly diagnose and treat your injuries.

Internal bleeding can be hard to detect on your own. Also, if left unchecked, it can be fatal. Your medical report will also aid in determining the connection between your injuries and the accident.

Dept. of Defense Sends Medical Teams to Minnesota
Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. from Pexels

Collect Evidence and Witness Accounts

After the car accident, collecting evidence is a critical step. You will be working with insurance providers, and you will need to provide certain details. You should collect the following:

  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • The insurance details and contact information of other drivers involved
  • Identifying details of other cars involved
  • Medical reports
  • Police reports

If any people witnessed the collision, ask for their names and phone numbers. They could assist in creating a more comprehensive picture of the scenario, which will be useful later. Remember that witnesses are not obligated to offer you their contact details, so ask politely and emphasize how much their help means for your case.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Seek legal advice before contacting your insurance carrier. This is an essential step in safeguarding your rights and your capacity to seek the settlement you deserve. Dealing with insurance providers is often difficult. If there is a way to avoid paying for injuries, you can be sure they will find it.

Fort Myers car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Attorneys are well-versed in any tactics insurance agents may employ and can counter these.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the collision to your insurance company as soon as you have obtained legal advice. Keep in mind that time is ticking. Most insurance companies require you to report the accident within three days, and many ask you to report it immediately.

This means that you must contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible and then deal with the insurance company. Do not postpone doing either.

Stick with the facts while notifying your insurer. Do not exaggerate, speculate, or guess. Simply tell them what happened as clearly as you can. Also, do not apologize or admit guilt. Your attorney can help you prepare a formal statement. However, do not continue with that statement without legal instructions.

Legal Representation

Due to Florida’s no-fault legislation, submitting a claim for an automobile accident is quite simple. However, you may still face unpredictable roadblocks in your case. Any procedural carelessness with the claim can lead to a smaller compensation or even case dismissal. Therefore, if you are involved in a car accident, you should think about contacting a personal injury lawyer.

Join the conversation!