Tampa lawyer auto accident checklist

If you are involved in a Tampa auto accident, it is very easy to become confused. You may forget what you’re supposed to do given the stress created by the sudden impact. Our Tampa injury law firm developed the following checklist to help make sure that you don’t inadvertently forget what to do at the scene of a Tampa car accident.

First, it is important to remember to remain calm and polite. There is no benefit to you acting otherwise. You should be sure to turn on your hazard lights. Hazard lights are used to indicate to other drivers that a vehicle has come to a complete stop. If it is safe to do so, you should move out of the way of traffic. And remember, that you do not discuss who was at fault or your policy limits at the scene of the Tampa auto accident.

Second, call the police. If there are injuries, then you should immediately call 911 for medical assistance. It is important that you do not move an injured person unless where they are is unsafe.  For example, if there’s a fire or danger from on-coming traffic.  You don’t want to move injured persons because moving them may create more problems for them and injuries. And of course, you may injure yourself in the process.

Third, you should exchange information with the other driver after a Tampa car accident.  That information exchange should include names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, insurance information [including year, make, model, license plate].  Also, if there are any witnesses to the accident regardless of how it happened or even if the other driver gets a ticket or admits liability, obtain their contact information as well. On a separate piece of paper, you should note the accident location and the position of the vehicles where they struck one another and to the best of your ability the movement of the vehicles before they came to rest.

Fourth, after a Tampa car accident, you should also obtain the officers names and the name of the police department that took the accident report.  You should also ask for a copy of the accident report for the Tampa car accident you were just involved in.

Fifth, when it's safe to do so, you should take photos/videos of the vehicles involved in the accident. You should also take photos/videos of the accident scene and include such things as traffic control devices, stop signs,  stoplights as well as street names.  You also might take pictures/video of the road conditions.  All of these pictures/video could be very useful in pursuing your claim.  One day this evidence might be used by an auto accident reconstruction expert to prove what happened in the Tampa accident. This evidence may be able to prove that you were not at fault if the other driver claims that you were responsible for the Tampa car accident. 
Sixth, you should consider contacting your own insurance company. This is not a priority and you do not have an obligation to call your insurance company from the accident scene. But if you have questions or want to begin the process of getting a rental vehicle, it may make sense to make the call. Just be careful. At the car accident scene, your adrenaline may still be high, you may be distressed and in pain and you will certainly want to make sure that you are clear and accurate in your communication with the insurance company.

Of course, the best thing is to avoid a Tampa car accident altogether. You can help do this by making a habit of using the best driving practices to avoid accidents.  Any Tampa car accident law firm will tell you that you should never go beyond the posted speed limit, for example. Also, you should maintain a distance of at least 2 seconds between your vehicle and the car in front of you. In addition, you should expect other car drivers to make mistakes particularly at intersections. This is all too common. You should be aware of potential road hazards such as potholes, construction barriers and stalled vehicles. And when you're driving on the highway, you should be prepared for drivers to suddenly change lanes.

Of course, after a Tampa car accident you should consider whether you would like to speak to a Tampa auto injury attorney.  Our Tampa injury lawyers would be glad to talk to you about your rights and help you to make the process of getting reimbursed for your property damage, lost wages and medical bills easier.