What To Do When Involved In An Out-Of-Town Car Accident In Florida
No one ever assumes they will be in a car crash, especially when they are traveling. When families get into their vehicles to drive to Florida, they may be thinking about the fun times they will have at the theme parks or beaches. Generally, a car accident is the furthest thing from their minds; however, car crashes can occur in any city and at any time.
Because being in an auto accident anywhere can be overwhelming and terrifying, it is important that you are prepared with how to handle your involvement in a car accident in Florida, especially if you are from out-of-state. This is because being outside of your state, city, and comfort zone can add to the overwhelming sensation and leave you frozen and at a loss for what to do following a crash.
It is important to remember that you should handle an out-of-state car crash in the same manner you would if the wreck occurred in your own town. If you are involved in an out-of-town car accident, here are ten things you need to do:
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Call the police and report the accident. Ask them to come out to the accident scene to take a police report.
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Request an ambulance if anyone is even slightly injured in the crash.
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Exchange insurance information and contact information with the other driver.
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Never admit fault to the other driver or anyone at the accident scene.
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Look for witnesses to the crash and ask for their contact information.
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Take pictures of damages to all of the cars involved in the crash, and take pictures of the accident scene in general.
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Write down a description of what happened to include where and when the accident occurred, if it was raining or dry, and any other particulars of the crash. Notes will help refresh your mind later down the line.
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Call your insurance company and report your wreck; however, don’t give a recorded statement or deny being injured without getting a medical examination.
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Seek medical treatment always after a crash.
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Keep all receipts for additional expenses you incurred such as tow charges, hotel bills, and other costs that this out-of-state accident caused.
Just remember that it is normal to feel uncomfortable and out of your element after being in a car crash in South Florida while visiting from another state. But what you don’t want to do is let the insurance company take advantage of your vulnerability. Just because the wreck took place outside of your state doesn’t mean that you don’t have the same rights to pursue a personal injury claim for your injuries and damages.
If you or your family members are injured in a car crash in the Fort Lauderdale area, even if you are from out-of-town, you should contact an experienced accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale to help you pursue your full recovery from the insurance company. For help with your claim, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld to learn about your rights at 954-677-0155.
