Florida, one of the most visited states in the U.S., attracts millions of tourists each year. As the fall season rolls in, this influx of visitors spikes, with many taking advantage of the mild weather to explore the state’s famous attractions. The popularity of Florida’s beaches, amusement parks, and vibrant cities during this time often leads to an increase in car accidents. If you find yourself involved in a crash during this busy season, it’s crucial to know the proper steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and navigate the insurance process efficiently.
Attorney - Partner Attorney - Of Counsel
Franklin Domenech, Esq.
William Alexander Corzo, Esq.
Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Others 
The first thing you should do after a car accident is make sure everyone involved is safe. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic, to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there has been a crash. If you are able to do so without causing harm to yourself or others, check on the condition of the other parties involved in the accident. This includes passengers, pedestrians, or any other vehicles that were involved in the incident.
In some situations, you might feel uninjured right away, but injuries from car accidents, especially those involving whiplash or internal damage, can take hours or even days to appear. It is important to remain cautious and avoid moving too much in case of hidden injuries.
Contact the Authorities Right Away
It is essential to contact law enforcement immediately following any car accident, particularly if there is significant property damage or injuries. Florida law requires that accidents involving injuries, deaths, or substantial property damage be reported to the police. Dial 911 and provide the dispatcher with all the relevant details, including the location, any injuries, and the number of vehicles involved.
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Police officers will arrive at the scene, document the accident, and file a report. This report is crucial when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, as it serves as an official account of the accident. Be sure to get the report number for your records and, if possible, request a copy for future reference.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
After the authorities have been called, exchange important information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. You’ll also need to gather information about the other vehicle(s) involved, including make, model, year, and license plate numbers.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, it’s important to get their contact information as well. They could provide valuable testimony if there are discrepancies about the details of the accident.
Document the Scene of the Accident
As soon as it’s safe to do so, begin documenting the scene of the accident. Take photos of the vehicles involved, including any visible damage to the cars, the road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant factors. If possible, get photos of the surrounding area, including skid marks or any other environmental factors that may have contributed to the crash. If there are any injuries, take pictures of the injuries as well.
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Your smartphone can be a useful tool in this process, as it allows you to capture the scene quickly and easily. Make sure you have plenty of evidence, as this will be vital when filing your insurance claim or dealing with any potential legal issues.
Do Not Admit Fault at the Scene
While you may feel guilty or pressured to apologize, avoid making statements that could imply fault in the accident. Even if you believe the crash was your fault, it’s important to refrain from admitting responsibility at the scene. Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning that fault can be shared between parties. Even if you think you may have caused the accident, there could be mitigating factors that need to be taken into account, so let the police and insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.
Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Don’t Feel Injured
One of the most important steps after any accident is seeking medical attention. In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers medical costs after an accident, but in order to fully benefit from it, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the crash. Many injuries, like whiplash or concussion, may not show symptoms immediately, so it’s critical to get checked out even if you don’t feel hurt. Failure to seek medical treatment could limit your ability to file a claim for damages.
Document all medical visits and keep track of any treatments you receive. This will be important for any personal injury claims or insurance settlements.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
In Florida, drivers are required to have PIP insurance, which covers a portion of medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. It’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. When you call, have all the necessary information, including the police report, photos, and witness statements. The sooner you report the accident, the smoother the process will go.
Your insurance provider will likely ask for a statement and may request that you undergo a medical evaluation as part of the claims process. Be sure to cooperate and provide them with all the information they need.
Consider Legal Help, Especially If the Accident Involved Tourists
Florida’s fall tourism season often brings in out-of-state drivers who may not be familiar with Florida’s traffic laws or driving conditions. This can complicate the process of filing claims, especially if the other party’s insurance is based in a different state.
If you feel overwhelmed by the legalities or if the accident caused serious injuries or significant property damage, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer experienced in Florida car accidents can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.
Be Cautious About Accepting Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to close claims, especially if you’re involved in an accident during a busy period like the fall tourism season. While these offers may seem appealing, they may not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages. Before accepting any settlement, consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that the offer is fair and comprehensive.
Follow Up and Keep Detailed Records
After you’ve reported the accident to your insurance company, it’s important to stay updated on the progress of your claim. Regularly follow up with your insurer to ensure that they are processing your claim in a timely manner. Keep detailed records of all your correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls.
Additionally, keep track of all medical bills, repair invoices, and any other expenses related to the accident. These records will be essential if your case goes to court or if you need to negotiate a settlement.
Dealing with a car accident during Florida’s busy fall tourism season can be stressful, but following these steps will help ensure that you’re taking the proper actions to protect your rights. By prioritizing safety, documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, notifying your insurance company, and consulting with legal professionals, you can effectively manage the aftermath of an accident. If you’re unsure about your rights or need assistance with your claim, the team at Victory Law Firm P.A. is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.