Car accident scene
At the Scene of a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
The Fort Lauderdale area is congested with traffic. Drivers are all in a hurry: Every U-turn has to be negotiated. Every intersection crossed slowly. But even the best motorists may one day find their car stuck in the front end of someone else’s vehicle in a Fort Lauderdale car accident.
Teenagers have the greatest chance of getting into an accident, according to statistics. Not surprisingly, texting, or use of any handheld device while behind the wheel, can measurably increase the chances of an auto accident. Whether you are involved in a minor vehicle mishap or a major accident that involves personal injury, the steps you take after the accident could make the difference in helping you to heal or continuing the pain, personally and financially.
Here is what you should keep in mind at the scene of a Fort Lauderdale car accident:
- Safety first: You’ve just been jarred from the safety and comfort of your ride home – the first thing to do is to check to make sure your passengers are safe and assess any injuries.
- Get an ambulance to the scene: Insurance claims may be the last thing on your mind, but you and the other victims need to seek medical attention to see if they have any life-threatening injuries and such records will come in handy down the road and could lead to a successful outcome in any claim for damages.
- Call the police: The police may get to the scene, but if they’re not, call them. Getting details of the accident recorded into a police report will be valuable in determining who was at fault.
- Seek information: Remember the basic lessons of driver education: Always obtain the name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration and insurance information from any driver involved in the accident. Also important is securing the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Pictures tell 1,000 words: If you are able, make use of that cell phone and take photographs of the accident scene, including images of the vehicles involved, skid marks, debris, location of the accident, cross-walks, traffic signals and any other marker, no matter how insignificant, that could help you to prove your case.
- Don’t talk: Any statements you make about the accident, including who you think was at fault, could be used against you and could ruin your chances when it comes time to file a claim.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident can be devastating. The more you know, the more you can smartly assess your situation and make the right decisions. Consult a personal injury litigation attorney in Fort Lauderdale to make sure your rights are not violated after the accident. You’ve been violated once – don’t let it happen twice.
Fort Lauderdale car accident topics in the Sun Sentinel including neighboring areas
