Have you recently just been in a truck accident in Florida? If so, it may be a startling and overwhelming experience. The important thing to remember is that taking the right steps following an accident can make all the difference when it comes to resolving any issues quickly and efficiently.
That’s why we’re here—to provide helpful advice on what you should do if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Read on for our list of what to do following a truck accident in Florida!
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- 1Injured in a truck accident? Stay calm & assess yourself & any passengers before seeking medical attention.
- 2Call 911 & report the incident to obtain an official police record that could impact your personal injury claim.
- 3Gather evidence at the scene of the accident if it is safe, including photos, names of witnesses, and statements from them.
- 4Cooperate with police when they arrive at the scene & provide accurate information to your insurance company.
- 5Keep track of any extra expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
- 6Contact an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident for personalized representation in filing a personal injury claim.
Try To Stay Calm & Assess The Situation If You Can
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the first priority should be to stay calm and assess the situation. It may be easier said than done but it’s important to try and maintain a level head. Florida has unique laws when it comes to personal injury claims, so understanding the situation and what steps you should take next is crucial.
Injured? If You Can Assess Yourself & Any Passengers
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. It may be difficult to assess your own injuries right away, but if you can, you should do so as soon as possible. Keep in mind that it takes time for some injuries to manifest after an accident. Even if you feel okay, you should still see a doctor to be sure.
How To Safely Assist Injured Passengers After A Trucking Accident
It is important to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of passengers and other parties. If there were any passengers in the truck with you at the time of the accident, it’s important to assess their condition as well. Depending on the severity of personal injuries sustained by those in your vehicle, you may also need to assist them with getting medical attention.
Call 911 & Report The Tractor Trailer Accident
If you’ve been involved in a Florida tractor-trailer accident, the first and most important thing to do is call 911. Reporting the accident to law enforcement is essential for receiving assistance from medical professionals and establishing an official record of what happened.
When filing a personal injury claim related to your Florida tractor-trailer accident, it will be necessary to prove that the incident actually occurred. Having an official police report will make this process much easier.
How The Police Report Impacts Your Claim If You’ve Been Seriously Injured
Additionally, calling 911 right away can help protect you from being held accountable for the accident or suffering a hit to your reputation. Florida is a fault-based insurance state, and if it’s determined that the other driver was responsible for your Florida tractor-trailer accident, then their insurance company will be held liable for covering the cost of your medical expenses.
However, if the police report shows that you were at fault or partly responsible for the accident, then this will likely result in a lower compensation settlement or even a denial of your personal injury claim.
Gather Evidence At The Scene Of The Accident (If It Is Safe)
The next step is to gather evidence that supports your claim. This should be done immediately following the incident when it is safe to do so. You can take photos of the scene, including any property damage or personal injuries.
Take photos of the surrounding area of the accident as well i.e road, and any guard rails. Be sure to also take a photo that indicated the current weather condition. This can be critical when it comes to filing a Florida personal injury claim and determining fault. All of this information can be used when building a strong personal injury case.