What to Do in the First Hours After a Car Accident

Nobody plans for a crash, and in the moments after one, adrenaline makes it hard to think clearly. That's exactly when the most important evidence in your case exists — and when insurance companies start building their side of the file. This is the checklist we give our own clients.

At the scene

• Call 911 and ask for police, even for a "minor" crash — the report becomes the official record of what happened.
• Photograph everything: all vehicles from multiple angles, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and your visible injuries.
• Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with every driver involved.
• Get contact information for witnesses before they drive away — their account can decide a disputed claim.
• Don't apologize or speculate about fault, even to be polite. "I'm sorry" shows up later as an admission.

In the first few days

See a doctor within days of the crash, even if you feel mostly fine. Injuries like whiplash and disc damage often surface after the adrenaline fades, and under Florida's no-fault system, waiting too long to seek care can limit the benefits available to you. Just as important: a prompt medical record ties your injury to the crash before the insurer can argue it came from somewhere else.

Report the accident to your own insurance company, but keep it factual and brief. If the other driver's insurer calls, you are not required to give a recorded statement — and you shouldn't. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that shrink your claim.

When to call an attorney

If you were injured, the time to talk to a lawyer is before you negotiate with anyone. A consultation with our firm is free, and you'll speak directly with your attorney — not an intake service — about what your case needs and whether you need representation at all.