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What should you do after a car accident?

On Behalf of | Jun 5, 2018 | Car Accidents

People in Florida who are in a car accident should stop, gather information and avoid discussing the accident with the other person involved. After stopping, the first act should be to check for any injuries or damages. The drivers should then exchange names, contact information and insurance information. A person should also note the license number, vehicle identification number, model and make of the other vehicle.

Other details about the accident should be noted as well. This includes the time of day, weather conditions and location. Police should be notified, and the names and badge numbers of responding officers should be taken down as well. Other details that should be written down include the names and contact information of any witnesses.

People who have a cellphone camera can take photos that show the condition and position of vehicles along with any other relevant details. They should write down their own account of the accident as soon as possible before it is difficult to remember the details. A person may want to phone the insurance company from the scene of the accident if possible, but if not, they should be contacted shortly afterward to discuss how to file a claim.

In some situations, it might not be possible to gather all of this information right away because people’s injuries are so severe. The injured person may be unable to return to work for some time. A driver who causes a motor vehicle accident may be liable to pay the expenses of people who are injured and other costs, such as vehicle repair or replacement, but the person’s insurance company might not offer enough money. A person who is injured in an accident may want to consult an attorney about filing a lawsuit in order to obtain enough compensation. There might also be an offer of an out-of-court settlement.

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