Steps To Take If You Are In A Car Accident
We understand in an accident situation, it can be hard to know what the right thing to do it. Please print out this handy PDF, and keep it in your vehicle with your registration and insurance information.
Call the Law Offices of Pardy and Rodriguez at 888-522-0222 anytime, day or night for immediate help.
Don’t Drive Away
Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one. The vehicles involved in the accident should remain where they are, unless they interfere with traffic.
Prevent Another Accident
You can help prevent a second accident by keeping your flashers (hazards) on, or setting up a road flare. Even waving a flashlight may help warn other drivers to be more careful.
Call the Police
Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police. Every accident needs a police report to file a claim.
See a Medical Professional
You should see a doctor as soon as possible at a local emergency room or your family physician even if you don’t feel injured. Even in accidents involving what seems like a minor impact, you can suffer serious injuries.
Tell The Truth
When the police arrive, tell the officer exactly what happened. If you do not remember, that’s okay! Just tell that to the officer. If you not sure if you are hurt, say you aren’t sure. Pain and injuries from accidents may take a few hours to register by your body. You should also make sure statements made by other people involved in the accident are also true.
Take Pictures or Video
If you have a cell phone with a camera, take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, or weather. Anything you think might be useful to remember later on. If you have visible injuries, photograph them as well. If you cannot take pictures at the accident, take them as soon as possible after.
Keep Records
Start a notebook and a file. Write down all the details of your accident as soon as you can. Then keep track of anything having to do with your after care.Trips to the doctor, rental car agency, lost time artwork, everything. Its better to track to much information than not enough! Keep any documents, or receipts and other information together in one file.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Florida law requires all drivers in Florida to carry vehicle insurance. That does not mean an insurance company has to pay you the full amount of what might need.
At Pardy and Rodriguez, our priority is helping you and your family get back to the life you knew before the accident. We work on a “contingency fee basis,” which means there is no legal fee unless we recover compensation for your injuries. In other words we fight hard for you to win because that’s how we earn our paycheck!