If you are wondering what to do after a car accident, you are not alone. The moments after a crash can feel chaotic, yet the choices you make will shape your health, your finances, and your claim. Use this clear checklist to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and set up a strong case with a trusted law firm in Florida.
Stabilize and Document
1) Check safety first. Move vehicles out of traffic if you can, turn on hazards, and assess injuries. Do not discuss fault.
2) Call 911. You want a police report after the crash. Ask the officer how to get the report number and when it will be available.
3) Exchange details. Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, license plates, and insurance information for all drivers. Get witness contacts.
4) Document accident scene. Take wide and close photos of vehicle positions, traffic signals, skid marks, weather, and your injuries. A quick video walkthrough helps capture context.
5) Avoid harmful statements. Stick to facts with officers and other drivers. Simple, accurate descriptions prevent confusion later.
Build The Medical Record
6) Seek medical care fast. Adrenaline can hide pain. Tell the provider it was a motor vehicle collision so the visit links to the crash. Prompt care protects your health and anchors your claim.
7) Start a recovery file. Save discharge instructions, imaging, prescriptions, and all receipts. Keep a daily journal of pain levels, sleep issues, missed activities, and work limitations.
8) Preserve evidence. Do not repair the car yet if liability is disputed. Save dashcam footage. Store damaged items like car seats or torn clothing. Back up photos to the cloud.
Notify and Protect
9) Notify insurer quickly. Most policies require timely notice, so notify insurer soon after the crash. Provide the basics only.
10) Be careful with adjusters. Decline recorded statements to the other driver’s carrier until you speak with an attorney. Do not sign broad medical releases that expose unrelated history.
11) Track expenses. Keep towing, rental, and repair estimates. Save pay stubs or employer letters that show lost hours. These records help you file accident claim documents without gaps.
Legal Help
Florida injury cases are shaped by state laws, local courts, and regional insurers. Working with a nearby team can speed up investigations and negotiations. If your crash happened in Pasco County, see our Pasco County resources. If it was in Tampa or nearby, start with our Tampa lawyer guide.
How Merricks Law Group Strengthens Your Claim
- Evidence collection. We gather reports, photos, witness statements, and expert opinions to show negligence clearly.
- Damage calculation. We account for medical care, lost wages, property damage, and the full human impact of pain and suffering.
- Negotiation and litigation. We manage insurers, fight low offers, and take cases to court when needed.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Safety, 911, and scene photos
- Exchange details and get witness contacts
- Seek medical care same day
- Save everything to preserve evidence
- Notify insurer without recorded statements
- Contact a law firm in Florida for guidance
Ready to talk about your case? If you or a loved one was hurt in a Florida car crash, do not wait. We are available 24/7 and ready to protect your rights today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a police report after a minor crash?
A: Yes. Even minor collisions can lead to delayed injuries and hidden damage. A police report after crash creates an official record that insurers and courts rely on.
Q: Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
A: Yes. Many injuries appear hours or days later. Seek medical care right away so your symptoms are tied to the collision and you get proper treatment.
Q: When should I call my insurer?
A: As soon as you can, ideally within 24 hours. Notify the insurer with the basics only. Do not give a recorded statement to the other carrier before speaking with an attorney.
Q: What evidence helps most when I file an accident claim?
A: Photos and video, witness info, the crash report number, medical records, repair estimates, and proof of lost income. These items help you file accident claim paperwork with fewer disputes.
Q: Why hire a local law firm in Florida for my case?
A: Local firms understand regional insurers, courts, and medical providers. This knowledge helps preserve evidence, move faster, and improve claim outcomes.
