First attempt to get together all the information needed to comply with Florida DMV requirements. The Florida DMV filing requirements are mandated by statue and the window to file is short. Check with a legal advisor to find out current requirements as they may change. Consulting an attorney is wise whenever an auto accident occurs, especially one with injuries.

Things to do…

For sure, make notes, if possible; such as if there were any witnesses. This is important so try to get their contact information. An attorney will want to interview them later. Without contact information, witnesses can be virtually impossible to contact or locate when needed in the future.

Police reports and medical reports documenting injuries and property damage is clearly a must. If there are any available insurance reports from claims adjusters these are good to get together also.

1. Definitely go to the doctor and…

Get checked out by your family physician at a minimum; ideally go to an emergency room the same day of the accident. If your injuries are such that require immediate or emergency care you will taken by ambulance. Either way, in a doctor’s office or in an emergency room visit, be sure that all of your complaints are recorded at that point in time.

2. Consult an attorney and…

Be mindful that whatever you say during an examination will be written into the medical record regarding your accident and injuries. This is also true after the accident, at the accident scene and when speaking to insurance representatives.

3. At the accident scene…

You will want to photograph the cars involved, if possible. If you are severely injured this won’t be possible and you will rely on others to provide these for your attorney. Though photos may be available from law enforcement authorities, having photos that others take or your own may help later. It is a good idea to carry an inexpensive camera, perhaps a disposable one, in case you are involved in an accident for this purpose.

4. Take notes as soon as possible after the accident…

Remember, it’s important to note whether or not you had your seatbelt on. This will be a defense of the at-fault party’s attorney and their insurance company. This may arise in the pre-trial negotiations before the litigation goes to court. Another key fact to note is who took you to the hospital or was it by ambulance, your own vehicle or by others? It all makes a difference when it comes time to sort this out in court and by the attorneys.

At the point of treatment, hospital or a doctor’s office, definitely record the names of anyone who treats you. This includes medical healthcare professionals that attend to you afterwards. Your attorney will want to be able to know who these people are and need to interview them later for records gathering later in the process.

While you are receiving treatment keep track of x-rays or other tests and procedures that were performed on you, as to the date, location and times. Try to get and collect your relevant past medical history. These records may be pertinent to your case, which your attorney will determine after reviewing them thoroughly.