Most people have never been in a serious crash before, so nobody tells them what to do in the first few days. I’ve seen good cases get hurt by small mistakes that were easy to avoid. Here’s what I tell people.
1. Get safe and call 911
Move out of traffic if you can. Call 911, even if the crash seems minor. A police report records who was there, what they said, and what the scene looked like. That matters later when the insurance company starts telling a different story.
2. Take pictures before anything moves
Photograph the cars, the damage, the road, any skid marks, traffic lights, and your injuries. Get the other driver’s name, insurance, and plate number. If anyone saw the crash, get their name and phone number. Witnesses disappear fast.
3. See a doctor within 14 days
This one is a big deal in Florida. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays medical benefits only if you get initial care within 14 days after the accident (Fla. Stat. 627.736). PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses, up to a $10,000 limit. Wait too long and you can lose those benefits. Adrenaline hides a lot of pain, so get checked out even if you feel okay.
4. Be careful what you say to insurance companies
The other driver’s insurance company may call you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You don’t have to give one. Their job is to pay as little as possible. Stick to the basic facts, don’t guess, and don’t say you’re fine if you aren’t sure.
5. Don’t post about the crash
Insurance companies look at social media. A photo of you at the beach or the gym can be used to argue you weren’t really hurt. Stay off it until your case is resolved.
6. Know your deadline
In Florida, most negligence cases must be filed within two years (Fla. Stat. 95.11). That sounds like a lot of time. It isn’t, once you add medical treatment, records, and negotiation. Florida also bars recovery if you are found more than 50% at fault for your own injuries (Fla. Stat. 768.81), so evidence about who caused the crash matters.
7. Talk to a lawyer early
You don’t need to hire anyone the day of the crash. But a short conversation early can help you avoid the mistakes that cost people money. I spent years as a prosecutor learning how evidence gets built. I use that same approach for injured people now.
Hurt in a crash? Call me at (561) 291-7088 or request a free case review. There is no fee unless we recover.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
