A car accident can be shocking, painful, and traumatizing. These collisions can happen without warning, even if you’re obeying the rules of the road on a familiar route. However, what you do immediately after can help you move on properly from this issue. Do you know what to do when you get in a car accident in Fort Myers?
While it’s normal to be shaken up, the right reaction can bring a moment of clarity to a chaotic scene. This can help you make choices that put your safety as the first priority. It can also help the ensuing decisions to be made in line with Florida car accident laws to establish accountability for any legal proceedings that may follow.
The Three Most Important Steps Immediately Following a Car Accident
Florida has over 18 million drivers, and accidents are common, with a three-year average of nearly 400,000. The sudden impact of a crash can leave you disoriented and confused. However, there are a few simple steps you should take immediately following the incident.
- Breathe. It may sound simple, but taking a few seconds to catch your breath can bring you back to the present. This can stop you from charging into traffic, mistakenly admitting fault, rashly making accusations, or violating the law by leaving the scene due to panic.
- Mind your surroundings. After a collision, your car may have spun, flipped, or skidded a significant distance. You may also be dizzy or have blurred vision. However, not every driver will stop or slow down. Before you attempt to exit your vehicle and move to safety, be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of traffic.
- Check yourself for injuries. The body’s response to a traumatic collision can be to spike adrenaline, which may cause you to overlook injuries in the moment. Once you’ve gotten to a safe place, check yourself over, scanning your body and noticing if there’s any soreness, blood, abrasions, bruises, or other injuries.
This trio of steps can help any person emerge from the initial moments of an accident as safely as possible. It can help you avoid making impulse decisions that could put you in physical danger or legal trouble, and then allow you to proceed to the next steps with clarity.
Communicate Appropriately With Responders and Other Drivers
Since your health is the first priority after a crash, you should contact emergency services. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s wise to get a medical examination anyway. Some injuries take time to make their effects known. Medical professionals at a local facility, such as Lee Health, can provide more details. These reports can also be useful in a car accident case in Fort Myers.
You’re also required by Florida law, Section 316.065, to contact the police to report the accident. This can allow for evidence to be documented, which can help if you need to pursue a case. Finally, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers in the accident. The Florida Financial Responsibility Law requires the at-fault driver to have full coverage. If you prefer, you can wait until police are present to facilitate the exchange of information.
Common Mistakes After a Car Accident
While it’s important to know what to do immediately after a car accident, it’s equally important to know what not to do. Even if you follow the law by reporting the incident, you could unknowingly make your legal situation worse and damage your own case by:
- Talking too freely with insurance companies. Even seemingly innocent comments can be twisted into fault admissions, resulting in a lower settlement than you deserve.
- Talking too freely with law enforcement. While you may be required to give the details of the accident, you should be careful not to admit fault if you’re unclear about the specifics of the situation.
- Posting about the crash on social media. Sometimes, even a harmless post could be used against you, as opposing lawyers may say it shows evidence your crash was not as serious as alleged, or that you were more at fault than initially believed.
The easiest way to avoid these mistakes is to hire a car accident lawyer. Asking to speak with a legal professional before giving official statements, beyond the basic legal requirement to report the accident, can help you protect your rights and avoid unintentionally building a case against yourself.
FAQs
Can an Auto Collision Be Dangerous at Low Speed?
Yes, an auto collision can be dangerous at low speed. For rear collisions at less than ten miles per hour, about 30% of the injuries reported were to the cervical spine area, which could cause intense pain, mobility issues, balance problems, trouble controlling bodily functions, and more. Lumbar and thoracic region injuries were also common.
Where Are Fort Myers Auto Accident Cases Heard?
Most Fort Myers auto accident cases involve personal injuries, state laws, and insurance claims, so they’re usually handled in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. When you hire a Fort Myers car accident attorney, they can advise you about court schedules, locations, procedures, questions to expect, answers to give, and more.
Can Drivers Share Accountability in an Auto Accident?
Yes, drivers can share accountability in an auto accident. Depending on the circumstances of the case, courts may rule that multiple drivers made bad decisions, illegal maneuvers, or other errors that contributed to the accident. This could result in a reduced settlement in favor of one party, depending on how much fault they were guilty of.
What Could an Auto Accident Settlement Cover?
An auto accident settlement may cover the cost of medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital treatment, physical therapy, medication, and future medical bills related to long-term or ongoing injuries. It could also include lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, as well as pain and suffering in some cases.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., headed by Justin P. Caldarone, has a strong legal reputation in the Fort Myers area for helping people through challenging situations. Whether you’ve been left with minor injuries and frustration, or serious life struggles and mounting medical bills, this talented legal team can help.
With plenty of positive reviews and high-level legal accolades, this organization has demonstrated an effective approach to justice. When you need a law firm that treats your car accident case with the seriousness it deserves, reach out today.
