What to do after a car accident? You never find yourself asking this question until it’s too late. Because of the unpredictable nature of traffic, accidents can still happen no matter how cautious we are. Car accidents are more common in the winter months due to slippery roads and adverse weather conditions. In addition, roadside assistance might become backed up in bad weather, so being responsible on the road is essential.
You can avoid accidents by staying educated and prepared. Knowing what to do in the event of an unimaginable disaster will save you money and prevent unnecessary harm.
Get To Safety After the Car Accident
Follow these steps on what to do after a minor car accident:
- Stop immediately, but do not obstruct traffic. You may be charged with a felony if you fail to stop after a collision.
- To alert other drivers to slow down, turn off your engine, put on your warning lights, and deploy the road flares in your emergency car pack.
- You should signal any traffic dangers to incoming vehicles. Leave your lights on or, if feasible, lay out traffic flares at night. You might be held liable for any harm caused by approaching cars unless they are adequately informed.
- Assist anyone who appears to be hurt. You should stop any bleeding. If you’re able, provide first aid. If necessary, summon an ambulance. If someone is badly injured, don’t move them unless it’s absolutely necessary, as movement might worsen the situation.
- If you’re engaged in a hit-and-run accident, you must contact the Miami police department right once. Call the cops and cooperate entirely with the authorities in charge of the investigation. Make a list of all investigating officers’ names and badge numbers.
Document The Car Accident
It’s advised that you provide as much documentation and proof as possible to protect yourself. Here are some suggestions for documenting a vehicle accident:
Identify the Officers and Get a Copy
Obtain the names and badge numbers of all responding officers once they arrive. Inquire with the policemen present about getting a copy of the accident report. When you make a vehicle insurance claim, your insurer may request a copy of the report.
Take Pictures and Videos
Take photographs and videos of your vehicle from various angles after the collision to illustrate the extent of the damage to both automobiles. It could also be a good idea to photograph the license plate of the other vehicle. During the claims process, you may be allowed to share pictures with your insurer to support your claim.
Write Down Names
Make a list of all persons involved, including any passengers in the other car, and write down their names and addresses.
Talk to Witnesses
Record the names of any witnesses to your accident, as well as their contact details.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist after ensuring that you and any passengers are unharmed. Make a list of the most critical details that drivers should exchange following an accident:
- Name and contact details in full
- Company name and policy number
- Number of the license plate and the driver’s license
- Vehicle type, color, and model
- The accident’s location
Inform Your Insurance Company About the Miami Car Accident
While you’re on the scene, you might wish to phone your insurance agent. That way, they’ll be able to inform you precisely what they’ll need to handle your claim and what to expect during it. You should contact your insurance provider and inform them of the issue.
Request a coverage estimate for your scenario after the briefing. If more communication is required, make sure to ask for a direct contact number from a representative. You should also give them to the other driver’s insurance company.
This will make it easy for all parties to work together and finalize the coverage specifics. Even the most experienced driver might become agitated after an accident, but following these measures will help you avoid unneeded anxieties. That way, you can concentrate on dealing with your insurance provider to get your car fixed as fast as possible.
| Tips on Avoiding Car Accidents | |
| Keep your eyes on the road ahead of you. | Concentrate on more than simply the automobile in front of you. Look to the sides as well as the cars ahead of you. This will assist you in preparing for any potential mishaps. |
| Keep an eye out for blind areas. | Many collisions occur as a result of drivers relying too much on their mirrors. While adjusting your mirrors for better seeing is a good idea, they can’t see everything. Before changing lanes, make sure to shoulder check behind you. |
| Drive with your hands at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. | When driving, don’t be sluggish. Use both hands and place one at 9 o’clock and the other at 3 o’clock. You will have complete control over your car as a result of this. |
| Sit properly. | Pull your seat up to the point where your wrist may rest comfortably on top of the steering wheel. This makes driving your automobile more manageable. |
| The state of a driver’s vehicle is a good indicator of their character. | Although you were taught not to judge a book by its cover, you should do so when driving. Avoid excessively filthy, beat-up vehicles since they may suggest neglectful owners. Those who have nicer, cleaner automobiles are more likely to take better care of them and, as a result, drive more carefully. |
| Know the boundaries of your vehicle. | Each vehicle has its own characteristics. Is your’s good when it comes to curves? What’s the status of the braking? Get a decent idea of how your automobile would behave in a potentially dangerous circumstance. |
| Maintain the condition of your vehicle. | Maintain your vehicle regularly. When the tread on your tires wears out, replace them, and change the oil at the prescribed intervals. |
Pro Tip
“Avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. A claim adjuster will determine who is responsible for your claim based on an inspection of the damaged vehicles, the information provided by you, the other parties involved, and any supporting documentation, including a police report or photos.”
Talk to a Miami Personal Injury Attorney from Diamond & Diamond
Diamond & Diamond has decades of expertise handling personal injury cases. You’re welcome to come to our Miami office. If you need assistance after an accident, call Diamond & Diamond at 1-800-567-HURT or fill out an online contact form to obtain a free consultation offer by text.