What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida?

Whether you are driving to work, running errands, or on a trip with friends, the last thing you anticipate is being involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents are not uncommon, so understanding the steps you can take to protect yourself after you are struck is vital to protecting yourself. The following blog explores the most common causes of car accidents as well as the steps you should take if you wish to file a claim. In addition, you’ll learn the importance of contacting an Indian River County auto accident lawyer to help guide you through these complicated matters.

What Are Common Causes of a Car Accident?

Unfortunately, due to the nature of car accidents, there are a number of ways in which collisions can happen. Generally, one of the most common causes is due to distracted driving, such as texting and driving. Unfortunately, as cellphones have become ingrained in our daily lives, many are unable to put down their devices while driving. This can lead to collisions, as someone texting while driving is not focused on the task at hand, has their eyes off the road, and often has one hand off the wheel. As such, they may not see the car in front of them brake, an approaching stop sign, or a car merging into their lane, leading to a serious collision. Unfortunately, studies show that, in 2022, 8% of fatal accidents were the result of distracted driving.

Another common cause of accidents in Florida is human error. While many drivers generally adhere to the road signs and understand the importance of safe driving, lapses in judgment can result in serious accidents. For example, misjudging the distance of an approaching vehicle while making a left, trying to merge across lanes of traffic to exit a highway, or failing to yield are often judgment errors that can result in injuries. While these decisions may not be inherently reckless or malicious, they can still result in a serious collision.

While these are two of the most common causes, you may be impacted by other factors like speeding, aggressive driving, driving under the influence, weather conditions, unsafe roads, and even drowsy driving.

What Steps Should I Take Following a Collision?

When you are struck by a negligent driver, understanding how to proceed is critical. The first thing you should do is immediately contact the police to report the accident, request an officer, and seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, seeking medical care immediately after an accident is critical. Crash victims often do not appreciate the extent of their injuries right after a crash. Seeking immediate medical care ensures your health and well-being are prioritized.

While waiting for the police to arrive, you should exchange insurance information with the other party. While speaking with the other party, you should resist the temptation to discuss fault for the crash or to apologize. In addition, if you are physically able to, you should take as many photos and videos of the accident scene as possible. This includes the damage to both vehicles, where the cars are positioned in relation to one another on the road, any visible injuries you’ve suffered, and any other elements present that could impact your case, like road conditions or overgrown vegetation.

Finally, the most important thing you can do following an accident in Florida is connect with an experienced personal injury attorney with Ullian Trail Law. Our firm understands how difficult it can be to navigate the process of filing a claim and fighting for the justice you deserve. As such, we will do everything in our power to help you receive the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to discuss your situation with a member of our firm by scheduling a free consultation.