What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL

You can simply call 911 and tell the dispatcher what happened. Officers from the state police or the St. Petersburg Police Department will respond. They will take steps to secure the accident scene to help keep everyone safe. If anyone is seriously injured, officers can call an ambulance for emergency medical attention. The officers will also complete another step that can help protect your rights. They will complete a Florida Traffic Crash Report for your accident. This report will contain information about the drivers and vehicles involved, the date and location of the crash, and any violations that occurred before the collision. Order a copy of your accident report as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you review it.

You want the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license number. Also write down the car’s license plate number. You want to give your information to the other driver. What you don’t want is to get into a discussion about the accident or who caused it. You don’t want to argue or get heated. Try to stay calm. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information, too.

You can also take some videos if you would like. Try to document the crash by getting some wider shots of the vehicles, as well as closeups of the damage to each one. If there are any traffic signals or signs nearby, document those also. You may also want to capture any skid marks, road construction, or debris in the road near the accident scene. Another way to document the accident that can be helpful is to write down what happened to the best of your memory. Do this as soon as you get a chance.

You can be examined by emergency medical technicians on the scene. Or you can go to the emergency room at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, St. Anthony’s Hospital, or HCA Florida Northside Hospital. Another option is to visit your own doctor within a few days after the crash. You should get an exam even if you seem to feel fine. You may have a concussion or another injury that has delayed symptoms.

Follow all instructions for treatment after your exam. A doctor will also document your injuries and treatment. You will need this documentation when you seek financial compensation for your injuries.

You are required to notify your insurance company if you’ve been involved in a car accident. Call them as soon as you can, within a day or two. Stick to the basic facts. If an adjuster from your insurance company – or the other driver’s insurance company – contacts you, remember that they don’t have your best interests in mind. Politely decline to answer any questions or give a recorded statement. Simply explain that you need to talk to your attorney first.

Call an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer.

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t sure whether you have a case. It doesn’t matter if you think you may have been partially to blame. A lawyer will know what questions to ask and can explain your rights. You can get answers to your questions, hear your legal options and learn where you stand.

Most lawyers offer a free consultation. There’s no cost and no obligation. But don’t wait too long to get legal advice. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The law gives you four years from the date of your accident to take legal action. But within months, evidence may get lost. Witnesses may forget important details. The sooner you act, the better.

Call today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. Get the information you need to help you decide what to do next.