Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer

What to Do After a Car Accident

When you are the victim of an auto accident, many thoughts are likely racing through your mind. What happened? Where is your insurance information? Am I hurt? Is anyone else hurt?

Although the situation may at first seem overwhelming, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. This is essential as there are several steps that one should be careful to take following an auto accident.

At the Auto Accident Scene

First and foremost is safety. When possible, be sure to remove your automobile from the road and park it on the shoulder and out of the way of traffic. Once safely off the road, you should next call the police to report the accident. If other vehicles were involved in the auto accident, be sure to check whether anyone else is seriously injured. If so, immediately call 911.

You will need to exchange information with the other involved parties. Pay particular attention to collecting full names, phone numbers, addresses and, most importantly, insurance information. Once the police have arrived, carefully go over what happened with them, and always ask for a copy of the auto accident report.

It is further recommended that you gather and record as much information as possible. In particular, be sure to take notes on what happened while it is still fresh in your memory, and get statements and contact information from any witnesses. If you have a camera or a camera on your cell phone, don’t forget to snap pictures of the accident scene. All this information will prove helpful in case you need to recall any information about the accident at a later date.

After the Auto Accident

As soon as possible, report the accident to your auto insurance company. Be sure to include information on any physical injury and/or damage to your vehicle. Provide your insurance company with the insurance information of the other individuals involved in the auto accident.

You should create a folder to hold all documents relating to your auto accident. Many auto accident victims also find it useful to create a journal where they can write down day-to-day entries relating to any injuries that have developed since the accident. Whether you choose to keep a folder or a journal, or both, it should hold all medical receipts, vehicle repair bills and anything that relates to your auto accident.

Your Tampa Auto Accident Attorney

Following the above steps will help expedite the process of recovering any damages owed as a result of the auto accident if your case goes into litigation. It is important to already have all the information and facts organized and ready.

Seeking a qualified and knowledgeable Florida auto accident attorney can help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your claim. If you have been involved in an auto accident and would like to speak with a lawyer, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 813-355-9772.