The Most Important Ten Minutes After a Car Accident

You’re stopped waiting for the red light to turn green so you can go on with the long list of things that need to be done that day when BAM! you get rear-ended in a car accident. A hundred things run through your pounding head after the car accident–what happened? Who is going to pick up the kids? How am I going to get this to do list of things done today? What am I supposed to do now?

After a car accident, the first ten minutes could be the most important. Here is a list of things you should do within the first ten minutes after being involved in a car accident:

1. Stop and notify the police of the car accident. If you leave the scene of an accident that involves injuries without providing your information your license may be revoked. In Florida, they may not come out to the accident scene if there are no injuries, but it is important to still call them.

2. Contrary to popular belief, if you are in a car accident and you are blocking traffic, you must move your car. If you can’t move it yourself, you are required to get help or call a tow truck. Your car should never block traffic in any situation.

3. Take out your cell phone and start taking pictures. Take pictures of your vehicle’s property. Take photos of your injuries (seat belt scrapes or bruising), any changes inside your vehicle (rear view mirror knocked down, seat back mechanism collapsing). Take pictures of the at-fault driver, their passengers and any witnesses on the scene. Take a picture of the at-fault driver’s license plate and driver’s license and insurance card.

4. Exchange name, address, insurance information and vehicle registration information with the other driver. Ask that they do the same.

5. Get the name and address and contact phone number of any witness to the accident. You would be amazed how many times the police do not write down the witnesses’ information on the accident report.

6. Call your doctor to arrange a visit. In Florida, your automobile insurance is responsible to pay for medical treatment (at 80%) stemming from a car accident. Get checked out early so your pain is documented.

7. Call your insurance company and report that you were involved in a car accident. However, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.

8. Talk to an attorney experienced in car accidents and personal injury law. Don’t sign any paperwork until you have a free consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney.

A car accident can impact that day, that year, or your entire life. You need someone on your side looking out for your best interest. Insurance companies have attorneys, so should you!

Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes’ law firm-Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes-has been caring for clients involved in car accident, motorcycle accidents, and other personal injury claims in Tampa Bay, Florida since 1955.

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