// Step-by-Step
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT, IN ORDER.
Nobody plans for a crash, and the hour afterward is the worst possible time to be making decisions from memory. Print this or keep it on your phone. The order matters more than most people realize.
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At the scene
Handle safety first, then documentation.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or vehicles are blocking traffic.
- Move to a safe location — shoulder, sidewalk, or parking lot — and turn on hazards.
- Do not discuss fault with the other driver, and do not apologize.
- Exchange name, phone, license, plate, and insurance information with every driver involved.
- Photograph all vehicles, damage close-ups, plate numbers, road conditions, and the surrounding intersection.
- Get names and phone numbers of independent witnesses.
- Wait for the officer and ask for the crash report number before leaving.
- Tell the officer about any pain, even if you think it will pass.
First 24 hours
This is where most claims are won or weakened.
- Get medically evaluated the same day, ideally at an urgent care or ER.
- Describe the crash mechanism to the doctor — how you were struck and which direction your body moved.
- Notify your own insurance company that a crash occurred, but do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.
- Photograph any visible bruising, swelling, or cuts before they fade.
- Save your clothing, shoes, helmet, and gear, unwashed, in a bag.
- Start a running log: dates, providers, missed work, mileage, and out-of-pocket costs.
First week
The paperwork phase. Consistency here prevents disputes later.
- Obtain the official crash report and check it for errors — especially the fault notation and injury description.
- Keep every appointment, and follow the treatment plan. Gaps in care are used against injury claims.
- Do not post about the crash, your injuries, or your recovery on social media.
- Do not sign a blanket medical authorization or a settlement release without review.
- Do not repair the vehicle before it has been photographed or inspected if the crash was serious.
- Keep paying your health and auto premiums — a lapse can affect coverage for the crash.
What not to do
Do not accept a quick check from the other driver at the scene, do not agree to a recorded statement without advice, and do not wait to see whether the pain goes away before calling. The two-year Florida filing window sounds long until treatment, records collection, and negotiation are factored in.
// Common Questions
Answers, not runaround.
How soon do I need to see a doctor?
The same day if possible. Beyond your health, Florida PIP coverage generally requires treatment to begin within 14 days of the crash to preserve benefits.
Should I post about the accident?
No. Insurers routinely review social media, and a photo of you at the gym or on vacation can be used to argue your injuries are not serious.
Do I have to talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You are not required to give a recorded statement. You can provide basic claim information and decline the recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
What if I realize I was injured days later?
That is common with soft-tissue and concussion injuries. Get evaluated immediately and explain when symptoms began — the delay itself is not a bar to a claim.
AccidentProsUSA is a referral and consulting service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice or representation. Information here is general and not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney.
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