Who to Call at the Car Accident Scene

When you’ve been affected by a car accident caused by another driver, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, and in need of emotional support from loved ones. And though emotions may be running high, it’s important to remember who should be contacted while you’re still at the scene of the accident.   

1. The Police

It may be your first instinct to call a loved one or family member immediately following an accident. And though those people should certainly be contacted right away, the police are who you should call first. Not only will a police officer be able to file a police report of the accident, but he/she can also manage the flow of traffic, document all important aspects of the accident and prevent further damages. Plus, in the state of Florida, any driver must report a car accident if it results in injury or death of any person, or if it results in damages to any vehicle in the amount of $500 or more.

2. A Friend or Loved One

Although many individuals already call their friends, family or loved ones instinctively after an accident, it’s important to have someone there to help you handle all of the chaos that often comes with major car accidents. They can help you make sound judgement calls, such as not driving home right away, going to the hospital, etc. With all the adrenaline running through your body, you might not realize the extent of your injuries right away. But by calling a friend or loved one, you’ll have the support of someone who cares about your well-being and safety, and they would be able to help you through the situation, including giving you a ride home or to the hospital, offering emotional support, collecting information for you, etc.

3. Your Insurance Company

In Florida, there isn’t a law that requires drivers to report car accidents to their insurance companies. However, many standard auto insurance contracts do require those they insure to report all crashes immediately after they happen. If these individuals choose not to report them within a set amount of time (typically  a day or two), the insurance company may actually deny financial coverage.

Additionally, if you believe you’re not at fault, you’ll want to make sure your insurance company has all the information needed as early on as possible to help ensure you have a valid claim to make against the other driver.

4. A Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident, there’s a lot to think about. From property damages to physical injuries, it can be overwhelming to take everything all at once—especially at the accident scene itself. Calling a personal injury attorney right away can help you get some clarity about what you need to do next and, more importantly, what they can do for you during your time of processing and healing.

Unlike insurance companies, liability adjusters, police officers and other individuals involved with your accident, personal injury attorneys do have your best interest in mind and will fight to make sure you get the recoveries you rightfully deserve.

After an accident, remember to call these important contacts as soon as possible. For more information about what to do after a car accident or personal injury, visit our blog or contact our team now for a free consultation.