Car accidents are often chaotic events that occur with little or no warning. However, understanding what to do after an accident may enable you to stay calm and make good decisions in the aftermath of a traumatic situation. At a minimum, Florida law requires you to remain at the scene of an accident even if your vehicle was the only one involved in the incident.
Get to safety
If possible, pull your vehicle to the side of the road to minimize the risk of a secondary collision taking place. Furthermore, you should get to a sidewalk or as far to the side of the road as possible to minimize your risk of being hit by a car. In the event that you smell gas or see fluid leaking from the vehicle, get as far away from the vehicle as possible. Once you reach a safe place, call for help or ask someone to do so for you.
You could be hurt
Ideally, you will seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. This is because the signs of whiplash, a concussion or other common accident injuries may not be apparent right away. In some cases, they may take several days or weeks to manifest themselves. By seeking treatment right away, you may be able to treat a broken bone or internal injury with rest or an ice pack as opposed to surgery.
Obtain relevant information
After an accident, you will want to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the wreck. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so yourself, an officer may be able to do so on your behalf.
