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What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident in South Florida?

If you’ve just been involved in a car accident—first, let me tell you this: breathe. You’re not by yourself.

I’ve walked with thousands of clients through this exact instant over my 25 year career. The confusion. The adrenaline. The noise. The silence that comes after. It’s flat-out overwhelming, and it’s perfectly okay. Whether it was a fender collision on Coral Way or a speeding crash on I-95, here’s exactly how to protect yourself, your well-being, and your legal rights.

1. Check for Injuries. Yours and Everyone Else’s.

First, ensure you and your passengers are secure. Next, where feasible, look after the people in the other vehicle(s). In the most serious circumstances, stay put and wait for emergency services. Moving the injured individual may do more harm than good unless there is an immediate threat, like fire or dripping fuel.

Even if you’re “okay,” remember this: adrenaline is a powerful drug. You might not even know you’ve been injured until hours or even days later. That’s why it’s so important to get yourself evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible (keep reading for more on that).

2. Call 911. Yes, even for minor car accidents.

In South Florida, you’re legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $500. That includes most crashes. So go ahead and call the police—especially if the other driver is trying to downplay things or avoid getting insurance involved.

The officer doing the report will take a crash report, and that document can be your best friend when you are filling out your claim. If you are able, get the officer’s name and badge number, and also ask where and when to get a copy of the report.

3. Document the Scene. Treat It As Evidence.

This is an important step, and it’s one you can do right from your phone. Take pictures of:

  • All the cars (multiple perspectives)
  • License plates
  • Any vehicle or property damage (guardrails, poles, etc.)
  • Skid marks or debris on pavement
  • Traffic signs or signals on the scene
  • Injuries (if visible and pertinent)
  • And, if there are witnesses, get their name and contact information. You’d be surprised how many cases rest on what a third party observed.

4. Exchange Info—But Be Careful What You Say.

You’ll want to get the other driver’s:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Driver’s license
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Car registration data

And here’s the one thing people usually get wrong: don’t apologize. In the moment, it may feel warm and fuzzy. But that can be used as evidence against you afterwards. Even if you think you were responsible for the accident, there could be things you don’t even know yet—like the other driver texting or speeding. Let the investigation speak for itself.

5. Seek Medical Treatment. Even If You’re Fine.

This is important. In Florida, the no-fault law requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash if you’re to be considered for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
Leave the legal issues aside for now, though. Your health matters. Car accidents typically cause lasting, severe injuries. Some are instant and some are delayed.

I’ve had clients walk into my office saying, “I just had a little soreness,” and weeks later they’re dealing with herniated discs and physical therapy. Get checked.

6. Call a South Florida Car Accident Lawyer (Like Me).

I know—I’m a personal injury attorney, so of course I’m going to say this. But hear me out:

The insurance companies have a whole playbook. Their adjusters are trained to be cooperative in attitude while secretly gathering information to minimize your payment. Even your own insurance company is not necessarily in your corner.

You need someone on your side from day one. Someone who knows how to:

  • Handle recorded statements (or avoid them altogether)
  • Coordinate your medical care
  • Preserve vital evidence
  • Fight lowball settlement offers
  • Take your case to trial if necessary

At Suarez & Montero, we’ve recovered millions for thousands of people like you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. And we only get paid if you win.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company. But Watch What You Say.

Once you’re safe and have spoken to an attorney, it’s time to notify your own insurance company. You’re generally required to report the accident within a reasonable time—ideally within 24 hours.
Stick to the facts:

  • Time and location of the accident
  • People involved
  • Vehicles and damage

You don’t have to go into detail about injury, fault, or how it happened. That’s what your lawyer is for. If the other driver’s insurance company calls you, nicely refuse to make a statement and ask them to call your lawyer.

8. Save Everything. And I Mean Everything.

Start a file—paper or electronic—where you keep:

  • Photos and video
  • Medical bills and records
  • Repair estimates
  • Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (Uber rides, equipment, etc.)
  • Police report
  • Any interaction with insurance companies

This is not reckless paperwork. Every snippet of information builds your case and serves your claim for damages.

9. Avoid Social Media. Seriously.

This will surprise most individuals. But tweeting following an accident can come back to haunt you.

If you post a photo at the beach mere days after the crash, an insurance company might say you weren’t really hurt. Even a selfie with a grin or restaurant check-in could undermine your claim.
Gold standard tip? Don’t post about the wreck to begin with. And don’t discuss your injuries, the suit, or anything related to the other driver either.

10. Healing First. Let Us Take Care of the Legal Details.

Healing is all you need to be concerned about today. If it’s therapy, chiropractic services, or just staying at home and recuperating, you should be able to relax.

Let us take care of the anxiety. We will work with the insurance providers, the paperwork, the calls, and if needed, the courtroom.

Final Thoughts

An accident turns your world upside down in a heartbeat. One moment you’re running errands, the next you’re caught up in a whirlwind of doctors, tow trucks, and insurance adjusters.
But you don’t have to face it by yourself.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call Jaime “Mr. 786 Abogado” Suarez at (305) 631-1911 today to Get You Paid!

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