What Should You Do When You Get In a Car Accident in Tampa?

Immediately after a car accident, you will likely feel overwhelmed by adrenaline and unsure of what to do next. It can be tough to think clearly or plan your next move. And unfortunately, many errors immediately after the accident can result in further losses down the line.

First and foremost, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and stop your vehicle, pulling off the road if possible. Next up, read this article to determine what you should do next.

Step 1: Call the police.

Making sure everyone is okay should always be the first go-to. This means calling emergency services, which will help ensure everyone gets the help they need and help all involved obtain a police report.

Step 2: Stay at the scene of the accident.

If you leave the accident scene, you risk being charged with a hit-and-run. Instead, stay for as long as needed and until the police assure you that it’s okay to leave. This will also allow you to assess any damage and have emergency medical personnel assess you for injury and deliver first aid if needed.

Step 3: Take pictures.

Having a visual record of the accident comes in handy in a few ways. It can document the damage and any injuries. Many people further have a dashcam that can help capture what happened to determine who is at fault for insurance purposes.

Step 4: Exchange information with the other driver(s).

Exchange your details, including names, numbers, insurance information, vehicle registration, and driver’s license, with all of the drivers involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, it may be important to grab their info as well. The more information, the better! This is for insurance purposes and if you need to face any legalities down the line.

Step 5: Contact your insurance.

Many insurance companies require you to report an accident as soon as possible. If not, you might risk not getting coverage if you need it. Plus, every driver on the road in Florida must have at least $10 000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This can help cover medical bills and any lost wages due to the accident.

Step 6: Remove yourself from danger.

A big problem with accidents is that they tend to cause other accidents, which could prove very dangerous for those in the initial accident. Make sure you and other drivers have removed yourself from harm’s way, such as off to the side of the road or out of the flow of traffic.

Step 7: Seek out further help (if needed).

After the initial accident, you may have lingering pain or injuries. For more help, our team at Tampa Spine and Wellness is here for you. Together, we can navigate the road of recovery and get you back to the activities you know and love. If you need a chiropractor after a car accident, contact us today. Our team is ready to help you find accident pain relief.