- Contact fire rescue (for injuries) and the police from the accident scene.
- Take photographs of the vehicles – damage and location.
- Photograph visible injuries.
- Obtain names and contact information of independent eyewitnesses.
- Cooperate with law enforcement. Describe the accident and provide your motor vehicle insurance information.
- Before leaving the scene, obtain a copy of the short form police report or other police report identifying information.
- If your vehicle must be towed from the accident, determine by whom and to where. Remove personal belongings before the vehicle is towed away.
- If necessary, allow fire rescue to transport you to the hospital.
- Provide fire rescue and the hospital with your vehicle and health insurance information.(The “PIP” coverage under your own insurance policy is primarily responsible for paying for a limited dollar amount of your medical care.)
- Report the accident to your insurance company.
- Obtain claim number from your insurance carrier.
- If necessary, seek follow up medical care.
- Provide medical providers with your vehicle and health insurance information.
- The at-fault party’s Florida insurance company should pay for your vehicle damage. In some instances, it is easier to have your own insurance company handle the repairs. However, not every insurance policy covers the cost of such repairs. It is not required coverage. Check your policy to see if you have “Collision” coverage. (Be careful of what you say to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The company will be looking for ways to deny your claim.)
- If your injuries are serious, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will handle a myriad of issues associated with your accident, including medical matters, insurance coverage, vehicle repair or total loss payments, etc.
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Contact us at 866-785-GALE or by email to learn your legal rights.
Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. is a South Florida based law firm committed to the judicial system and to representing and obtaining justice for individuals – the poor, the injured, the forgotten, the voiceless, the defenseless and the damned, and to protecting the rights of such people from corporate and government oppression. We do not represent government, corporations or large business interests.