We never want to think about getting into an auto accident. It’s something we keep out of our mind because we know the results could be very damaging or even deadly. In 2023 alone, there were 3,401 fatalities in the state of Florida from automobile accidents and many more thousands of people were injured.
“It is important to keep your calm,” said Angela, an auto accident attorney in Melbourne, Florida. “staying calm gives you a chance to process the information and move forward logically. Panic never helps any situation. By definition, you are not thinking clearly when you are in a panic.”
So, what steps should you take if you are in an auto accident?
- Check for injuries on yourself and anyone else who is riding with you.
- Call for medical emergency help if there are injuries.
- Call the police and secure the scene. Move out of the way of dangerous traffic.
- Exchange information with other drivers.
- Take photos of damage.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Contact an attorney if you need legal assistance.
These steps will help you manage a bad situation. Getting into accidents is just a part of life on the road unfortunately. The roadway has many moving parts and all kinds of drivers. Some drivers are very good while others are very sloppy. No matter how good of a driver you may be, it only takes one sloppy driver to cause an accident.
Remember, keep a cool head and avoid dramatic scenes. Document the situation, notify authorities and leave the scene when appropriate and legal. Do not leave the scene before you have documented the scene and exchanged information with the other driver. Make sure to snap a photo of their license plate as well.
The average person will be involved in 4 car accidents in their life. It’s how you handle them that makes all the difference in the world. If you are not permanently injured, thank your lucky stars and move forward with fixing your vehicle and getting back to work.
