What to do after your Auto Accident in Central Florida
by PATRICIA WOLOCH
As the recent pileup of 75 vehicles on I-4 shows, central Florida can be a dangerous place to drive. Low-lying, swampy terrain in many places can lead to dangerous fog on any given day, and, when this combines with smoke from controlled burns (such as in the I-4 Pileup) or pollution, visibility can drop to zero for mile upon mile. Add to this the shortage of troopers faced by the Florida Highway Patrol, and you have a situation where not only are car accidents highly likely, but where you might find yourself without help from the authorities. Do you know what to do if you are in an accident with no help in sight? Here are a few steps:
?Assess the situation to see if anyone (including yourself) is in immediate danger. If people are injured, but safe and responsive, you should not move them, in case you may exacerbate injuries you cannot see. If you are trained in first aid, you may provide it, but otherwise you may be best off limiting yourself to providing emotional support until paramedics arrive.
?Contact the authorities as soon as possible. Because of short staffing or weather and road conditions, their response may be delayed. You want medical personnel on the scene to assess you and others for injuries, and to document the facts of the car accident. Cooperate with the authorities, giving statements and aid as necessary.
?Gather information about everyone at the scene, both those involved and witnesses. Get the license plate numbers and VINs off vehicles, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of drivers and witnesses. Get insurance information on all drivers. If a semi truck is involved, note all big markings on the cab and trailer, especially if it seems like the two might be owned and/or operated by different companies.
?Never make an admission of fault, not even to the authorities. Make your statements factual, complete, and value-neutral. Your own insurance company will probably request information at the scene or soon after the accident. You should give factual statements to them to avoid charges of withholding information that might damage any claim you may make.
?Do not sign statements or take settlements from insurance adjusters or representatives from trucking companies. You must answer police officers' questions, but all other statements are at your discretion. Insurance adjusters are at the scene to try and save their company money by finding excuses to deny your claim. Speak with care.
?Seek medical attention. Hopefully, if you suffered serious injuries paramedics were on the scene to take care of you and you were transported to the hospital by ambulance. However, even if you don't think you suffered injuries, you should see a doctor, just in case.
?Contact an experienced accident injury attorney in central Florida. A local lawyer with an established track record can help you get your case resolved in your favor, working with insurance companies, trucking companies, and others to make sure you are not left holding the bill for an accident that is not your fault.
If you have more questions about what to do following an auto accident in central Florida, contact the Cressman Law Firm to set up a free initial consultation with Attorney Mark P. Cressman.
