What to Do After a Car Accident in Orlando, FL

You can either call 911 or the Orlando Police Department directly. Calling the police may seem unnecessary, or you may feel it will take too much time. But it is in your best interests to have police respond to your accident. They can make sure everyone is safe and call for an emergency medical response if people are seriously injured. Another thing they will do is fill out a Florida Traffic Crash Report. This report will contain important information about the crash – date, time, and location; the names of everyone involved; information about the vehicles, and the officer’s account of how the accident happened. This information can help when you are seeking financial compensation for your injuries. Get a copy of your accident report as soon as you can.

Remember to stay calm. You don’t want to get into any arguments or a discussion about what happened or who was to blame. Don’t make any apologies or give any explanations. Just ask if you can exchange information for insurance purposes. The information you’ll need is the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Also get the plate number for the vehicle. Share your information with the other driver, too. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.

All this means is taking photos and videos of the accident scene with your phone. This can provide important documentation later when you are seeking financial compensation for your injuries. Take photos of the wider accident scene, showing the point of impact. Also get closer shots of the damage to each vehicle. Take photos of any traffic signs or signals, skid marks, debris, or road construction. When you get some time, write down how the accident happened as you remember it.

If there are EMTs on the scene, let them examine you to see if you suffered any injuries. If you are seriously injured, you may need to be transported to a local hospital, such as Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, AdventHealth Carrollwood, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, or UCF Lake Nona Medical Center.

Even if you think you don’t have any serious injuries, you should still get medical attention – either at the scene or from your personal care physician as soon as possible. You could have suffered a concussion or internal bleeding and may not have any symptoms yet.

When you get medical attention, a doctor will also document the injuries you have. This documentation can help support your claim for financial compensation.

If you don’t, you could be putting your ability to recover compensation at risk. But while you are required to notify your insurance company that you were in an accident, you don’t have to provide a lot of details. Just stick to the facts. You may also be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. When dealing with any insurance company, it’s important to remember that they are not on your side. If you are asked to give a statement or answer some questions, politely decline. They are just trying to get you to say something they can use against you. Simply explain that you would like to talk to a lawyer first.  

Contact an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer.

You may have a lot of questions after a crash. You may even wonder if you are entitled to compensation or if you have a case. A lawyer can go over that with you during a free consultation. There’s no obligation – but you will learn where you stand. You can get answers to all of your questions and learn what your options are so you can decide what to do next. 

But don’t wait too long. Different deadlines can apply to car accident claims depending on the circumstances, and only an attorney can tell you which time limit applies to your case. Moreover, lawyers can build a stronger case when they are able to gather evidence before it is lost, and while the memories of witnesses are still fresh. 

Don’t delay – schedule an appointment with an experienced car accident lawyer and learn what your rights are.