Checklist if You Are in an Orlando Auto Accident

Provided by an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in an auto accident can be a confusing and scary time for an individual. However, the situation can run more smoothly by following a few easy steps. Each Florida car accident lawyer at our firm represents taking these steps if you have been involved in an auto accident:

1. If you are medically able, exit your vehicle and evaluate the safety and security of the scene. Make sure there are no imminent dangers such as a fire or oncoming vehicles.
2. Call 911 and treat those with medical emergencies first, to the best of your abilities. If there is no imminent danger, then do not move the injured.
3. Gather witnesses and others to both help you secure the scene of the accident and to gather the facts of what happened.
4. If at all possible, you are required by Florida Law to remove your vehicle from the roadway. This should not be done if there are injured people still in the car.
5. Once police and emergency vehicles arrive, cooperate with them and provide them information only that you are 100% sure of. It is important to never admit fault because you do not know all the facts and may be confused and dazed by the auto accident .
6. Gather information yourself such as:
   • The name, contact information, and insurance information of any drivers and passengers involved in the auto accident.
   • The name and contact information of the police officer and the report number they are preparing.
   • The name and contact information for any witnesses.
   • The vehicle information of any cars involved in the auto accident.
   • If possible take photographs of your car, any other cars involved, and the scene as a whole.
   • You may also want to draw a picture and write down how you think the accident happened. This may later help you recollect facts that you may otherwise forget.
7. Remove all valuables from your vehicle if it needs to be towed away and write down the location where it is being towed.
8. Report the incident to your insurance company.
9. Receive treatment for any injuries you may have received at the accident. Although you may not feel any symptoms at the scene, it is important to go to the doctor anyway. There may be some medical conditions that are not apparent immediately following the accident but that the doctor can diagnose and treat. Please note that in Florida, the PIP law is the primary health insurance for injuries arising from a car crash and ensures that everybody has 80% of their medical bills arising from that accident paid for by their auto insurance. This goes for anyone who was driving or riding in the car. Many doctors will wait to collect the remaining 20% until after all legal proceedings finish. Note: Although PIP is no longer required by the FL Statutes starting Oct. 1, 2007, it is set to return on January 1, 2008 and most people are still covered contractually.
10. Do not go to work if you are physically unable to. PIP also covers 60% of lost wages from an accident. This may require some easily acquired confirmation from a medical professional.
11. Consult an Orlando car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an auto accident in order to best protect your rights and interests. Treat your selection of a Florida car accident lawyer based on their credentials and how comfortable you feel with them.

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