You’ve been unexpectedly injured in a car accident and your next steps are not readily apparent, as nothing like this has ever happened to you. The aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly confusing and leave you with an array of questions. It is important to be prepared for whatever is to come your way. There are some things that every person should do and things that they should not do after a collision has taken place.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident 

Speak with Witnesses: You should always try to locate any witnesses who may have seen the entirety of the accident and will be able to help you through the process of your claim. You may be able to obtain their names, contact information, license plate number, and any other identifying factors.

Take Pictures: If you have a camera on you or a phone in your car, you should always take photographs of the accident scene. Make sure that you capture many different angles from different viewpoints that will help you in the midst of your future claim. You should also photograph any injuries.

Call the Police: You will want to contact the police no matter how slight the accident so that they can document the accident from their point of view. They may also determine who is at fault and distribute necessary charges. You will be able to obtain the accident report so that you can use it in your claim.

Write Everything Down: After your accident, it is important that you keep a daily diary of any activities, pain, or emotions that you are feeling. You can also write down any medical care that you receive, as this could be useful in your claim. 

What You Shouldn’t Do After a Car Accident

Never Admit Fault: You should never apologize for an accident, as this could be seen as an admission of fault. This could severely impact your ability to obtain compensation in the future. 

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: When the insurance adjuster tries to get you to give a recorded statement, they could use that statement and twist your words against you. This is why you should always speak with your attorney before giving any statements.

Don’t Sign Anything: You should never sign anything until you have completed all of your medical treatment and your provider has assessed that you are fully recovered from your injuries. 

Don’t Talk About Your Claim: Aside from speaking with your attorney, you don’t want to communicate your accident or any of the details of your claim to anybody else.

Speaking with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney 

After you have been injured in a Florida car accident, it is normal to feel confused and even helpless about the future of your case. It can be a long road to recovery at times, which is why our attorneys at Sheftall & Associates are here to dedicate our time to your personal injury claim to ensure that you receive the best help. You should never have to stand alone after another party has caused you harm in an accident that is not your fault. Please contact an accident attorney in Florida as soon as possible at (904) 575-9026 for more information.