No driver sets out to cause an accident but, sadly, they’re a common occurrence. Around 6 million car accidents a year happen in the U.S. and more than 400,000 of them take place in Florida.
As one of the most populous areas in the state, it’s not surprising that a significant proportion of these accidents occur in Miami-Dade country. According to the latest statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 60,000 car accidents take place in Miami-Dade each year.
With so many motorists being involved in road traffic incidents, it’s important to know what to do in the event of a collision. To ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality, take a look at these three steps to take after a Miami, FL car accident:
Table Of Contents
Things To Do After A Car Accident
1. Access Emergency Assistance
Following a collision, it’s vital to assess whether anyone requires immediate medical assistance. If so, you’ll need to contact 911, so that EMTs and paramedics can be dispatched to your location. In addition to this, law enforcement may need to be notified about the incident. Officers will be able to investigate the cause of the accident, if it’s necessary to do so, and make the highway safe for other road users.
Even if you don’t think you’ve been badly hurt, it’s worth getting checked over by a medical professional. The shock of an accident can sometimes mask pain, which may mean that you don’t realize how badly you’ve been hurt right away.
2. Exchange Information
If another road user was involved in the accident, it’s important to exchange information, providing injuries don’t prevent you from doing so. It’s common for people to exchange their names, contact numbers, and insurance companies, so make sure you know who your insurer is before you get behind the wheel.
Miami has a relatively high rate of hit-and-run accidents, so don’t panic if you’re not able to exchange information with other motorists who were involved. If another road user flees the scene of an accident or becomes combative, police will be able to step in, track the driver down, or deescalate the situation and gather information.
3. Get Legal Advice
Being involved in a road traffic accident has financial, practical, and medical consequences. Due to this, it’s advisable to contact a car accident lawyer. Even if the incident seems fairly minor, getting legal advice will help to protect you from claims made against you. Furthermore, a personal injury lawyer in Miami can establish whether you’re entitled to compensation and, if so, assist you in making a claim.
Dealing with the Aftermath of a Miami, FL Car Accident
When you’re involved in any type of crash or collision, it can take quite some time to recover from the shock. As well as seeking treatment for any physical injuries you’ve sustained, it’s vital to consider the emotional impact an accident can have too. By taking time to process what’s happened, you can begin to look to the future and return to the road with confidence.
