Orlando Car Accident Attorney

Don’t think you’ll never be involved in a car accident because chances are no mater how good a driver you may be, you will have at least one accident during your lifetime. Whether it’s your fault or that of the other driver is irrelevant, but when it happens you want to know what you need to do. Even if it’s only a minor accident involving little or no property damage to your vehicle, you want to make sure you follow the proper steps in case something should show up later that you didn’t see at the time the accident occurred.

There are several steps that are important when you have a car accident even if there are no injuries. Failure to adhere to some of the procedures may result in the suspension of your license. It’s important to follow each step so that you will be covered in the event the accident is your fault or the other driver attempts to blame it on you.

Stop

As soon as you get into an accident you want to stop even if you caused the accident. Failure to do so will cause you to face charges of hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident, especially if the other driver is injured. Even if it isn’t your fault, you can get into serious trouble if you leave.

Check for Injuries

Immediately after the accident check yourself and your passengers for injuries as well as the person or people in the other car or cars. Checking the damage to your car is secondary to checking for injuries, and if there are any immediately call for an ambulance.

Call the Police

There are several circumstances under which you will need to call the police, especially if the accident is serious or it is a hit and run. Most insurance companies require a police report in order to cover the damage. Serious accidents may also require police intervention even if there is no personal injury but it is blocking traffic or there is debris in the road. Of course, any time there is personal injury the police need to be on the scene to take a statement.

Document Damage

If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the damage. If you don’t have a camera available (even a camera phone will do) write down extensive details about the damage. You want to include what damage was done to both your vehicle and the other one in the accident.

Contact your Insurance Company

Immediately after the accident contact your insurance carrier to file a report. If there was personal injury or the damage exceeds your state’s level you must report the accident to the DMV as well. Failure to do so could cause you to lose your license.