Florida Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents are an all too frequent occurrence here in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. Distracted, angry, and even drunk drivers can be the cause of devastating injuries or even death. When a person is injured in an auto accident, the medical treatment and physical therapy following the accident may last for days, weeks, months, years, or even the rest of an accident victim’s life. Expensive medical bills, lost wages due to inability to resume work and pain and suffering are all issues that should be taken into consideration when pursuing a personal injury claim. If you or your loved one was injured in an accident, contact our lawyers today. They can determine if you are entitled to substantial compensation following a serious motor vehicle collision.

STAY CALM
It is imperative you stay calm. Do not exacerbate the situation by getting into an altercation with the other driver.
Don’t get out of your vehicle and confront the other person in an angry or hostile manner. If your vehicle can be driven, quickly and carefully move it off to the side of the road or to an area that is safe.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Once you are in a safe place, exchange information with the other driver. You can download a driver’s exchange of information form by clicking the link below. IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO PRINT TWO COPIES OF THIS FORM AND KEEP THEM WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS IN YOUR VEHICLE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. Necessary information from the other driver includes insurance information, name, address, phone number, including work information, especially if the other party is on duty for their employer at the time of the incident. Ask to see and verify an insurance card and driver’s license. Copy the full name, address and driver’s license number. Check to see whether their license has lapsed or expired. Look to see that the insurance is for that person in that particular vehicle and that the accident is within the current policy period. You may also wish to write down contact information for any witnesses who may be able to corroborate your version of events.

SPONTANEOUS COMMENTS
DO NOT MAKE ANY SPONTANEOUS ADMISSIONS, STATEMENTS, OR COMMENTS OF REGRET LIKE "I'M SORRY" AND DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING WHETHER YOU ARE HURT. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING HURT AT THE SCENE, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS LATER. IT IS BEST NOT TO SPEAK EXCEPT TO GET AND GIVE THE BASIC INFORMATION. ONCE THAT IS DONE, GO SIT IN YOUR VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR THE POLICE OFFICER ASSUMING IT IS SAFELY PARKED AWAY FROM TRAFFIC

DOCUMENT DAMAGE
If there is visible property damage or you are injured, you must co ntact law enforcement. Under no circumstances should you ever consider any offers to pay for damage without getting the police or insurance company involved. If there is damage, you should take photographs of both vehicles. A good practice is to keep a disposable camera in the glove box. With the widespread inclusion of cameras in cell phones now, use your cell phone to take photos of the cars, the other person, their drivers license and insurance card.

POLICE REPORT
Once the police officer arrives, tell him or her what happened in a brief manner. If you were struck from the rear, just say that: I was stopped. I was hit from behind. Let the officer ask you questions and do your best to answer them. Be careful when asked about times, distance, and speeds. Use words that estimate. Try not to use numbers. If you are wrong about the numbers, this can come back to haunt you later if you have to bring a claim. Before the officer leaves, make sure you get a small card with the investigating officer’s name, your case number and the direct dial phone number to call to get the police report when it is ready. If you forget to get the card, at least make a mental note who the police officer was working for, e.g. Florida Highway Patrol, Tampa Police Department. Our staff can follow up to discover all of the pertinent data.

SEEK TREATMENT
You will be asked by the officer if you are hurt and require medical assistance. If you feel any pain, let the officer get a paramedic to take you to the hospital. Do not refuse treatment if you think that you might be injured. When you are speaking to a paramedic or police officer, do not be a hero. Tell them where and how much it hurts. If you don’t tell them about the symptoms, they won’t know where to look and they may not be able to assist you. Also, if you hit any part of your body inside the vehicle, TELL THEM which part and where you hit the part inside the vehicle. Follow all of the doctors instructions at the hospital and afterwards.

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