1. STOP AND PROTECT THE SCENE:
Florida law requires the driver involved in an accident to stop at the scene. You should make sure you don’t block any traffic. It is essential that you carefully note the positions of any vehicles involved in the accident. Try to take pictures of the vehicles before they are moved if safe to do so. The use of your car’s four-way flashers can help provide warning to other drivers of the accident scene.
2. ASSIST THE INJURED:
Your first responsibility in the event of an accident is to find out if anyone is hurt. If someone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. You are required to provide the injured person all the reasonable assistance. However, you should not attempt to provide treatment for injuries yourself unless you are trained in first aid.
3. CALL AN OFFICER:
Florida law requires that the driver involved in an accident resulting in personal injury immediately contact the police. Even where there are no apparent injuries, it is advisable to contact the police immediately so that the officer can investigate the accident promptly. An official report may greatly assist you later if any claim of liability is made.
4. DO NOT COMMENT:
With the exception of your exchange of required information, you should NOT comment on the accident. Keep your notes and opinions to yourself. Do not admit you were wrong or careless. Such admissions, made in the tension and excitement of the moment, may be inaccurate and could turn out to be costly. If the accident was a serious one, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible before arriving at any agreements with anyone. A plea of guilty to a traffic charge may sometimes be used against you in a lawsuit to establish your civil liability for damages.
5. OBTAIN WITNESSES, TAKE NOTES AND PHOTOS:
Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the witnesses. Use your phone to photograph drivers’ licenses, business cards, and other identifying information. Keep a pencil and pad in your car so you will be able to make necessary notes. Again photograph the scene or sketch a diagram and note skid marks, broken glass, positions of the cars, and location of damage.
6. CALL US AT (954) 227-2000:
We are here to answer your questions and assist you.