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If I Am in a Car Accident, Should I Stop Immediately?
If someone else causes you to be injured in a car accident, you should pull over and stop immediately. Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to legal problems and will do nothing to protect your health or your claim. When an accident leads to injuries, you’re required to call 911. Even if you don’t think anyone was injured, an accident that generates damage of more than $500 – which means the vast majority of accidents – must be reported.
If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured, reaching out for the professional legal guidance of an experienced South Florida car accident attorney as soon after the accident as possible is always well advised.
Taking the Necessary Steps after a Car Accident
Every car accident involves its own unique set of circumstances, but there are specific steps that every crash victim should follow (as applicable).
Pull out of Traffic
To begin, it’s important to pull safely out of traffic flow to the degree possible. From here, you should call 911 and report the accident – letting the operator know if anyone’s been injured, which includes yourself.
Provide Any Aid that You Can
If someone’s been injured and you’re able to help, do so until professional assistance arrives.
Exchange Contact Information
If it’s possible to do so, exchange insurance, driver’s license, and contact information – along with your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) – with the other driver.
Refrain from Talking about the Accident
Whatever you say at the scene of the accident is very likely to get back to the insurance company handling your claim, and they will be sure to interpret your comments in accordance with their own best interests. For example, even saying I’m sorry – because you are sorry the crash happened – can be interpreted as you accepting full responsibility. Reserve your remarks for succinctly answering the questions posed to you by the officer at the scene.
Accept Medical Assistance
If you are offered medical assistance at the scene, it’s in the best interest of your health and recovery to accept it. If medical assistance is not offered, seek the medical attention you need as soon as you’re able to do so. Very serious injuries like the following can be asymptomatic early on or can be masked by the adrenaline surge and shock brought on by the violent car accident:
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
Discuss Your Claim with an Attorney
The best mechanism for protecting your car accident claim – in pursuit of just compensation that covers your physical, financial, and emotional losses – is working closely with a dedicated car accident attorney from the start.
Turn to an Experienced South Florida Car Accident Attorney for the Help You’re Looking For
The formidable South Florida car accident attorneys at Mickey Keenan P.A. dedicate their focused practice to helping valued clients like you resolve their claims favorably, and we welcome the opportunity to help you do the same. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 813-871-1300 today.