A Tampa Car Accident Attorney Explains Possible Steps Immediately Following an Accident

No matter how careful you are on the road, you are still at risk for an accident every time you drive. Yet, even though we all expect accidents to happen eventually, they are still surprising and stressful. The most frightening part of an accident is the short period of time immediately following the collision. Knowing what to do directly after an accident will help ensure that everyone involved receives the best care possible. As experienced Tampa personal injury attorneys, we recommend the following steps to take if you are involved in a car accident:

1. Try to stay calm.
2. If you are able to do so, call 911 from your cell phone while checking for injuries on yourself and your passengers. Also check for injuries in the other vehicles involved if possible.
3. If you are unsure about the need for an ambulance, tell the 911 operator that it would be a good idea to send an ambulance anyway, as well as police assistance.
4. If someone is seriously injured, do not move him or her unless there is imminent danger.
5. For minor accidents with no serious injuries, try to move vehicles to a safe place off the road. It’s better to be out of harm’s way than in the middle of moving traffic.
6. Turn off the ignition and turn on hazard lights. Ask other vehicles to do the same and check for gas leaks.
7. Call your insurance company to notify them about the accident.
8. Attempt to get license and insurance information from the other drivers involved.
9. Find out if there were witnesses. Ask witnesses for names, phone numbers, and a description of what they saw in the accident.
10. Document everything. Make notes about damage to all vehicles and injuries. If you have a camera handy, take pictures.
11. Draw a sketch of the accident while it is still fresh in your head. Include the location of all vehicles and passengers involved, plus the weather conditions at the time.
12. Do not admit fault or accuse anyone. State only the facts to the police and your insurance company.
13. Get the names and badge numbers of the police officers who arrived at the scene. Also find out which police agency they are from (local, county, state) so you know where the accident report will be located.
14. As soon as possible after an accident with injuries, call a Tampa personal injury attorney.

At Clark and Martino, P.A., we offer a free consultation to those who have been injured in a car accident. Call an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney at 1-888-868-5615. While we discuss your case, we’ll be able to show you how a Tampa personal injury attorney will be able to handle paperwork, insurance companies, and other logistics after an accident so you can put your time and energy toward healing.