What to do After a Car Accident?
Published on May30, 2025
Getting into a car accident is a stressful and overwhelming situation. I am often asked “what should I do after a car accident,” so I have outlined some steps you should take. Preparing yourself before it happens can help to minimize the stress so that you can properly and calmly navigate the important moments following the accident.
Safety is the most important first step following any accident. You want to ensure that you, your passengers, and other parties involved are in a safe location after the collision. If your vehicle is drivable you are required to move your vehicle from the roadway. Before moving your vehicle, if safety permits, take photos of the final resting place of your vehicle, and any other vehicles involved. This will preserve the location information which may be helpful to your insurance company and/or your attorney. If your vehicle is disabled, or you are otherwise unable to move it, make sure your vehicle hazard lights are activated and you are physically in a safe location. Please note: If your injuries are severe and/or immediately life threatening, do not move until emergency medical services arrives to assess your injuries.
Next, call law enforcement to the scene. If anyone is injured, notify the 911 operator so that emergency medical services can also be dispatched. Law enforcement can assist in the investigation and will note their findings in a traffic crash report. While you await the arrival of law enforcement, it is a good idea to take photos of any visible injuries that you sustained. Also take photos of road conditions, license plates, traffic signs/signals, and/or any other relevant surroundings.
While it is generally best to wait for law enforcement to arrive, in some situations it may take hours for them to get there. Florida does provide a “self-report” driver exchange form, where the parties involved can fill out and exchange personal and insurance information. Use of this method should be limited to instances where liability is clear (i.e. a rear end collision). If there is any dispute as to whether you or the other party involved are at fault for the accident, you should wait for law enforcement to arrive so they can conduct an independent investigation.
Immediately following an accident your body is likely filled with adrenaline and you may experience some anger or other negative emotions. This is a completely normal response. Avoid speaking to other parties involved and let law enforcement handle these communications. Likewise, you may initially believe that you caused the accident. However, it is important not to admit fault at the scene. In some circumstances it may be later discovered that the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
Even if you feel “fine” after an accident, you may not be aware of internal injuries that can manifest in the hours/days following. There could be some underlying issues not immediately present. Make sure you listen to what your body is telling you and seek medical attention if you have any pain or discomfort. In Florida, anyone injured in an auto accident must seek medical attention within 14 days. If medical attention is not sought within this time period you may lose important insurance benefits.
Following these steps after an accident can offer some much needed peace of mind during a difficult time. Let us take over so you may focus on your health and well-being. Call NeJame Law at 407-500-0000.
DeLayne Penland is a Partner in our Personal Injury Division
