Injured in a Car Accident – 7 Steps You Need to Take Immediately
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Miami, it’s essential to know what to do next. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Miami-Dade County had over 60,000 traffic accidents in 2021 alone. Over 22,000 crashes occurred within the city limits, causing thousands of injuries.
State-wide, car accident claims of hit-and-run crashes and related fatalities are also on the rise—104,895 were recorded in 2022. Here are seven critical steps to take if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Miami.
1. Assess the Situation and Call 911
Take stock of any injuries to yourself or others and call 911 if emergency assistance is needed. Stay calm and provide the dispatcher with key details like the location and number of vehicles involved.
Moving out of traffic may be the best option if the accident results in only minor damage and no injuries. Either way, remain at the scene until the police arrive.
2. Gather Information From The Other Driver
When it’s safe, collect as much information as possible from the other drivers involved. This includes their names, contact info, driver’s license, and insurance details.
Get the make, model, and license plate of all vehicles. Take down witness contact information as well. Take photos of the car accident scene, damage, and injuries. All this will aid the claims process later.
3. Get Seen by a Doctor After the Car Accident
Crashes in Miami caused over 11,000 injuries in 2021. Even if you feel fine initially, getting checked out by a doctor after any car accident is crucial. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma.
Playing down symptoms now could hurt your ability to recover damages later. Have EMS transport you to an emergency room or doctor’s office immediately. Your health is the top priority.
4. Report the Car Accident
You’ll need to report the car accident to the police, no matter how minor. Ask the responding officer for their badge number and a copy of the collision report for your records.
Prompt accident reporting also ensures traffic law violations are documented for insurance and liability purposes. If police do not come to the scene, file a report at the nearest police station soon after the crash.
5. Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider
Notify your auto insurance provider about the accident right away. Give them a clear summary of what happened and request a copy of your policy so they can review coverage details.
This starts the claims process so your medical bills and vehicle repairs can be covered up to policy limits. Be cooperative but avoid speculating on fault or making any recorded statements until you consult with a lawyer.
6. Keep All Evidence
In addition to photos, keep records of everything accident-related, like medical bills, auto repair estimates, and missed work info. Keep a written account of how the crash happened and your injuries.
All these documents will help show the actual costs of the accident when seeking recovery. Save relevant emails, social media posts, voicemails, or texts.
7. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer for guidance on getting the compensation you deserve. A car accident attorney can handle your insurance claims process while you focus on recovery.
They will also determine if you have grounds to pursue additional damages from negligent parties through a lawsuit. Most car attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so fees only come from any settlement awarded.
Being injured in an auto accident can derail your life. These seven steps will help safeguard your health and legal rights after a Miami crash. With persistence and valid legal help, you can recover your losses and achieve the best outcome from an unfortunate situation.
