5 Things to Do If You’re at Fault in a Car Accident

Florida’s roads continue to be dangerous, with over 195,000 crashes so far in 2024. These crashes have resulted in 1,562 fatalities and 126,715 injuries statewide. Some cities see more accidents than others. A recent report from QuoteWizard ranked Tampa as the fourth-worst city in the nation for traffic accidents.

The report analyzed data from over 2 million insurance quotes across 70 major US cities. It ranked each city based on accident rate, DUIs, speeding tickets, and overall driving citations. Tampa ranked 4th for accidents, 37th for DUIs, 46th for speeding, and 44th for citations. Both Tampa and Miami placed in the top 5 for car collision rates.

If you find yourself at fault in an auto accident in Florida, here are 5 crucial steps to take:

Check for Injuries and Call 911 If Needed

Your top priority should be making sure all parties are unharmed after an accident. Walk around and visually assess the scene, as well as check on your passengers and the other driver. Ask everyone involved if they are ok or feel any pain. Even minor complaints should be taken seriously.

If there are any injuries or indications of injuries, call 911 immediately. Do not try to move injured passengers unless the vehicle is on fire or there is some other imminent danger present. Wait for emergency medical personnel and follow their instructions.

Document the Accident Scene

Take photos of all damage to both vehicles, skid marks on the road, the position of the cars, and any other relevant details. Get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers of the other drivers involved. Ask witnesses to remain on the scene to provide their version of events to police.

Thorough documentation will assist your insurance company and legal team in determining fault and liability later. It also protects you in case the other driver changes their story or tries to exaggerate the damage.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

You are required by law to notify your insurance provider about any accident you are involved in. Call them as soon as possible after the crash and supply all relevant details. Fully cooperate with your claims adjuster’s investigation. However, avoid admitting fault or making any written or recorded statements before you have spoken to an attorney.

Your insurance will cover repairs, medical bills, and other losses up to your policy limits. But accepting blame could weaken your case and cost you compensation.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel perfectly fine after the accident, it is crucial you get examined by a doctor.

Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions closely. Be sure to keep all records related to your care, medical bills, pharmacy receipts, etc. These will support an injury claim later if needed.

Consult an Attorney

Speaking with an attorney who specializes in auto accident cases is highly recommended after any collision you cause. They can advise you on how to protect your rights, deal with insurance claims, and pursue maximum compensation if injuries or vehicle damage are extensive.

Admitting fault does not always mean you are wholly legally responsible. Factors like weather, road conditions, vehicle defects, or partial negligence by other drivers come into play. An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate liability and build the strongest possible case for you. Having expert legal guidance greatly improves your chances of the best outcome.