The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported that there were 402,385 motor vehicle accidents in 2017 alone—that’s slightly over 1,102 automobile accidents each and every day. These Florida car accidents led to 3,116 fatalities and 20,380 “incapacitating injuries” among car crash survivors.
Despite the alarming regularity of car crash accidents in Florida, few people are prepared for one. Every day, drivers on Florida roads are simply minding their own business when they’re suddenly caught in a wreck caused by another motorist’s careless actions, under-maintained roads, or severe weather storms.
Knowing what to do after a car crash is vital for several reasons, including:
Seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent you (or a loved one) from aggravating your car crash injuries. This can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and months of painful rehabilitation or permanent disability.
Capturing information immediately after the crash can be vital for establishing responsibility later. If you don’t get information about other vehicles involved in a Florida car accident right away, you may not get a chance—especially if an unlicensed or uninsured driver flees the scene of the accident.
Other drivers involved in an accident may not be able to call for police or emergency services because of their own injuries. In the event of a car crash, it’s important to summon help for these other drivers. If you decide to help directly, it’s necessary to exercise caution because moving an injured driver could make their wounds worse. So, you should only move other drivers if it is absolutely necessary to save a life.
