More than 401,000 collisions occurred in Florida in 2021, but this doesn’t mean that everyone knows how to respond when an accident happens. With 3,422 crashes in Okaloosa in the same time period, it’s important that all local drivers know how to react if they’re involved in a collision. With this in mind, take a look at these five things to do after a car accident in Destin, FL:

1. After a Car Accident Seek Medical Help Immediately

It’s essential to get medical attention after you’ve been involved in a car accident, even if you don’t think you’ve sustained any serious injuries. While you might not need to call EMTs to the scene of the accident, it’s still important to visit a clinician to determine if you have any ‘unseen’ injuries.

2. Notify the Police

Law enforcement officers are required to submit a crash report when a collision occurs, depending on the circumstances. If someone has been injured or killed, a commercial vehicle is involved, a driver is suspected of a DUI, or more than $500 worth of property damage has occurred, you’ll need to notify the police of the accident.

3. Tell Your Insurance Company

If you check the terms of your car insurance policy, you’ll notice that you’re required to inform your insurer if you’ve been involved in an accident. Most insurance companies specify how long you’ve got to make the notification but it’s best to contact them as soon as you can. As well as meeting your legal obligations, contacting your insurance company will enable you to get a claim started quickly, if you need to do so.

4. Get Legal Advice

When a car accident happens, getting legal advice might not be the first thing on your mind. However, seeking help from a car accident lawyer in Destin will protect your liability. Additionally, a car accident attorney can help to determine whether you’re eligible to make a compensation claim against anyone else who was involved in the collision.

5. Make a Note of Witness Information

If anyone saw the collision occur but wasn’t directly involved, ask them to share their contact details, if you’re able to do so. Their statement could prove useful if police decide to investigate the incident, but their testimony could also be valuable if you choose to make a claim for compensation at a later date.

Responding To an Unexpected Car Accident

Although roads are generally becoming safer, the rate of fatal accidents in Okaloosa County is 17.6 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the state average of 16.1. Moreover, thousands of people sustain injuries on the roads each year, which shows how important it is to prioritize road safety when you’re behind the wheel.

While you can’t always predict how, where, or when an accident will occur, you can make sure that you’re prepared. By knowing how to access help and what to do in the aftermath of an accident, you can ensure that you’re able to respond appropriately and safety if you or anyone else is hurt.