Florida is one of the most visited states in the US, thanks to Disney World and its beautiful beaches. Every county is a tourist destination in Florida. Spring Hill is one such place in Florida.
Spring Hill is known for its underwater mermaid show, which has been going on for more than 60 years. The problem with being a tourist destination is that it leads to heavy road traffic, which in turn leads to road accidents. Car accidents in Spring Hill have been on the rise for quite some time now.
Negligence remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in Spring Hill. Tourists are bound to be careless for many reasons. Distracted driving is a pretty common practice among tourists because they are new to the area and mostly look at maps to get around the city.
8 Things to Do Following a Car Accident
Regardless of the cause of the accident, victims of car accidents will suffer various losses. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, the victim can recover the losses they incurred by filing a claim. The events following a car accident can be confusing. However, there are some things a victim must do to strengthen their claim. The actions you need to take following a car accident are:
- Check for your and others’ safety
- Seek medical attention
- File a police report
- Take pictures
- Exchange information
- Collect witness information
- Speak with a lawyer
- File a claim
Check for Your and Others’ Safety
Move your car to the side of the road where it’s safe and check whether you are fine. If you are completely fine, then check on the well-being of the passengers and other drivers. Remember, if you think that you have major injuries, don’t move until the paramedics arrive at the accident scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Call an ambulance to the scene if the injuries sustained are major. If your injuries are minor, visit a nearby hospital to make sure that you don’t have any internal injuries. Getting medical help proves that you have sustained injuries due to the accident. The medical bills you get can be used as evidence during the claim process.
File a Police Report
Next, you need to call the police. Even if the accident is minor, you must call the police. Reporting the accident to the police is your duty. In addition, you will get a police report, which can be used as evidence while claiming compensation. Police reports can help prove negligence, so don’t skip this step.
Take Pictures
Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to the car. These photographs can be used to show that you sustained damages due to the car accident.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver. You need to collect the driver’s license number, insurance information, and contact number. Do not forget to collect these pieces of information since it can be difficult to track down the driver later.
Collect Witness Information
Witnesses give a new perspective on how the accident occurred. Without witness statements, the case will be your words against the defendant’s words. Witness statements can add more context to the accident, which can help the judge make a decision.
Speak with a Lawyer
One of the most important things you need to do following a car accident is consult a lawyer. You cannot trust anyone other than your lawyer in the event of an accident. Insurance adjusters will try to lower your settlement. A lawyer can protect you from them and get you the compensation they deserve.
File a Claim
Insurance agencies will offer a settlement. Accepting that offer is a grave mistake that cannot be undone. You need to reject the offer and file an official claim with the help of an experienced lawyer. Negotiate with the insurance company to get a favorable outcome.
Final Thoughts
A car accident can disrupt your life heavily. However, by taking the right actions, you can mitigate the consequences of the accident. If you are not sure what to do, just call a lawyer.