Eight Key Steps After a Pasco County Car Crash
If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic accident in New Port Richey, Trinity, Holiday or the surrounding areas of Pasco County, we know that this can be a stressful and frustrating experience. In this article, The Best Auto Accident Attorney in Pasco County provides eight key steps that you should take following an accident:
1. Get to a safe place: Directly after an accident, if you are able, get your vehicle out of the roadway to avoid any further collisions. Our office is frequently contacted by clients who were victims of a second collision when drivers are “rubbernecking” to look at the accident.
2. Check for Injuries: Even low speed collisions can cause injuries. Assess yourself and your passengers to determine if any of the occupants of your vehicle are in need of immediate medical attention. If so, contact 911 and request medical services.
3. Call the Police: In Florida, it's crucial to report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Not only do you have a legal obligation to contact law enforcement, but the police report will provide important documentation for insurance purposes and legal proceedings.
4. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This typically includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, and vehicle registration information. In most cases, when law enforcement arrives at the scene, they will prepare a “driver exchange of information” form.
5. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs/signals, and any relevant landmarks. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal matters.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all the necessary information and cooperate fully with their investigation. On the flipside, do not give a statement, recorded or otherwise, to the other driver’s insurance company unless and until you have consulted with our Top Rated Pasco Car Crash Attorneys.
7. See a medical professional: Even if you think you feel fine after an accident, it is prudent to seek the advice of a medical professional. Injuries from accidents are not always felt immediately and the onset of pain may evolve and develop over time. Think about it this way – have you ever lifted weights and felt fine right after, but the next day you could not move? That is often the experience for car crash victims.
8. Call Blaine Law: If you have been injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Blaine Law, every client is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and each case is handled professionally with your best interest as our guiding light. Remember these words, if you are in pain, Call Chris Blaine!
Remember, it's essential to stay calm and avoid admitting fault at the scene of the accident. Attorney Christopher Blaine is a Combat Veteran still fighting for you. Contact our office for a free consultation at 727-288-0477.