The Legal Minute

If you are involved in a car accident then there are certain steps that should be taken to protect your best interests for the future:

1. Call the Police and Report the Accident.
   
   You're required by law to notify the police of the accident if the damage exceeds $500.00 or someone was injured or died.  However, in an abundance of caution at the Law Office of Charles S. Philips I recommend you always have the police investigate the accident because sometimes people will change their story as to how the accident happened when they report it to their insurance company.  So even if they admit fault at the scene, it is best to have the police present to document that statement and assign fault for the accident.
   
   
2. Exchange Required Information.
   
   You should always provide the other driver your name, address, vehicle registration information and automobile insurance company name and policy number, and obtain the same from the other driver, including their driver's license number.  I also recommend you write down, or take a phone photo of the other driver's tag number.
   
   
3. Aiding the Injured.
   
   If someone is seriously injured then contact Emergency Medical Assistance.  Do not try to render aid yourself, other than to provide comfort to the injured.
   
   
4. Take Photographs of the Vehicles and the Scene.
   
   If you have a cell phone camera then make sure to take pictures of the damage to the vehicles and property involved.  Also take pictures of the scene including any obstructions that might have contributed to the accident.
   
   
5. Obtain Witness Information.
   
   If anyone approaches you and states that they witnessed the accident, make sure you get their name, address and phone number so that they can be contacted later by your attorney for a statement.
   
   
6. YOUR COMMENTS AT THE SCENE.
   
   Limit your comments at the scene to exchanging required information and assisting the police with their investigation.  Do not discuss fault in the accident at the scene.
   
   
7. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company.
   
   Report the accident to your insurance company but, if injured do not discuss your injuries until you have sought treatment for them.  Simply advise the insurance company of the areas affected and that you will be seeking medical care in the near future.
   
   
8. Seek Medical Care if Injured.
   
   
9. Contact an Attorney.
   
   You should always contact an attorney after you have fulfilled the other listed items so that you can be advised of your rights and obligations in Florida when involved in an accident.  Although you likely will not need an attorney to represent you as you will either not be injured, or your injuries will hopefully be minor in nature and will eventually heal, it is always prudent to have an attorney advise you on how to navigate the process.