Guest
Guest
Oct 09, 2025
8:25 AM
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Florida’s roads are unpredictable—between distracted drivers, tourist traffic, and daily rush hour chaos, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s a fender bender on I-4 or a serious crash on US-1, knowing exactly what to do after a car accident can make all the difference. The steps you take immediately after a collision can impact your safety, medical recovery, and even your ability to secure fair compensation for your losses.
Staying Calm and Prioritizing Safety
The moments after a crash are often filled with confusion and adrenaline, but it’s vital to remain calm and focus on safety. Before anything else, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you think you’re uninjured, it’s important to remember that some injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—might not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical help right away is a critical part of what to do after a car accident, and it also helps document your injuries for any future claims.
Moving to Safety and Reporting the Incident
If your vehicle is still operational, try to move it to a safe spot off the road to prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and remain visible. Once you’re in a safe place, contact the police. In Florida, drivers must report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $500. The responding officer will document the scene, but obtaining your own copy of the Florida Traffic Crash Report later can serve as crucial evidence for your claim.
Gathering Information and Documenting the Scene
After ensuring everyone’s safety, the next step in what to do after a car accident is gathering and preserving evidence. Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact details, license plate, and insurance information. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information—neutral witness statements can often help prove fault and strengthen your case.
Take photographs and videos of everything relevant at the scene: the position of the vehicles, visible damage, road and weather conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images can play an essential role later when dealing with insurance adjusters or if your case ends up in court.
Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your initial medical treatment, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you must seek medical care within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits. Visiting a doctor promptly not only ensures your well-being but also creates medical records that support your injury claim. When determining what to do after a car accident, remember that medical documentation is one of your strongest forms of evidence.
Contacting an Experienced Attorney
Once your immediate health and safety are addressed, it’s time to protect your legal rights. Insurance companies may act friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts. They may offer settlements that don’t cover your full medical expenses or future treatment costs. This is where an experienced legal team can make a difference.
Dewitt Law has built its reputation on helping accident victims in Florida navigate complex insurance systems and secure fair compensation. Their team understands how devastating a car accident can be and works tirelessly to handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery. When considering what to do after a car accident, reaching out to Dewitt Law ensures you have a dedicated advocate protecting your interests.
Protecting Your Future After an Accident
The aftermath of a crash can feel overwhelming, but understanding what to do after a car accident helps you regain control. From the first call to 911 to your final conversation with your insurance company, every step matters. With the guidance of a trusted firm like Dewitt Law, you can rest assured that your case is being handled with care, expertise, and persistence.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, don’t face it alone. Dewitt Law offers compassionate, results-driven representation for victims just like you. From minor fender benders to severe collisions, their attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Your path to recovery begins with knowing what to do after a car accident—and taking the right legal steps to protect your future. When it matters most, let Dewitt Law be the firm that stands by your side.
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