If you live in or around St. Petersburg, Florida, it’s necessary to understand the steps you should take after an accident to ensure your safety, follow the law, and position yourself to recover any compensation you may be entitled to. This guide will walk you through the key actions to take after a crash in St. Petersburg. Being prepared and knowing what to do can help you protect your rights and access important resources when you need them most. Taking the right steps soon after an accident occurs is crucial for handling the situation properly and avoiding common mistakes.

Contact Law Enforcement

The foremost thing you must do after a collision is contact law enforcement, even for minor collisions. In 2020, there were 14,313 total traffic accidents reported in Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg. Under Florida law, you are expected to notify the police if an accident involves any injuries, disabled vehicles, or there is over $500 worth of property damage.

Swap Information

If it’s feasible, swap insurance and contact details with the other driver(s) involved while you wait for the police. Get their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. Obtaining this information will help ensure the claims process goes smoothly.

Request Medical Support

While not all accidents result in fatalities, being evaluated by a doctor is still crucial, even if you believe you only have minor injuries. In 2022, 61 fatal accidents occurred in St. Petersburg, so it’s important not to downplay any collision. Adrenaline and shock can hide issues like pain, and some injuries, such as concussions, don’t manifest right away. Have EMS assess you thoroughly at the scene or get to an urgent care or ER promptly after the crash. Getting timely, comprehensive medical care creates a solid record of your injuries and treatment, which will be essential if you need to pursue injury claims later.

Document the Accident

Take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, damage, injuries, and accident scene. Capture road conditions, weather, street signs, traffic signals, and sight lines that may have contributed. Get contact info for any witnesses. Write down your recollection of how the crash occurred while it’s still fresh. Thorough documentation will help show exactly what happened to support your claims.

Report to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer about the accident as quickly as realistically possible. Provide all relevant details about what happened and any claims you intend to submit. Review your policy to understand your coverage for damage, injuries, and liability. Comply with your insurer’s requests for information to avoid denial of claims.

Consult a St Petersburg Car Accident Attorney

For anything beyond a minor fender bender, it’s advisable to consult an auto accident attorney in St Petersburg. An attorney can conduct a professional investigation, negotiate optimal settlement offers, and file a lawsuit if warranted based on factors like crash circumstances, the extent of damages and injuries, and insurance coverage. With over 16,000 collisions on average occurring annually in Pinellas County, a local attorney will have deep experience of winning maximal compensation for car accident victims in St. Petersburg and the surrounding communities.

Being in a car accident can leave you stressed and unsure of how to protect yourself both medically and legally. By moving swiftly to get medical help, gathering evidence, and consulting qualified professionals like the police and an attorney, you will be on the strongest footing to recover and get fair compensation for your accident-related losses.