Steps To Take After A FL Fender Bender

Fender benders happen in Florida and around the country every day. There are an estimated six million car crashes every year in the United States. While this number is incredibly high, it makes sense when you think of how many people are daily using their cars to commute, run errands and spend time with family and friends. Thankfully, fender benders are minor accidents but there are still steps you should take to protect yourself and your financial future.

If you have questions about who was the at-fault driver and who is responsible for the expenses of a Florida accident, connect with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.

Stop the Car and Exchange Information

The first thing you need to do in the moments following the collision is to stop the vehicle. When you step out of your car or truck, look over any damage your vehicle sustained and assess the condition of other vehicles involved.

Next, exchange information with other drivers involved in the collision and document details of other vehicles. Generally, you will want to gather the following:

• Name and contact information of other drivers, passengers and witnesses.
• Vehicular insurance companies and policy numbers.
• The license plates and make, model, and year of each vehicle.
• Registration information.

If a law enforcement officer arrives at the scene they will likely walk you through part or all of this process. But it is important to know that police do not always come out for minor accidents. In those situations, it is essential that you collect information should you need to shield yourself from financial loss later.

Additionally, take photos and jot down notes of anything you believe is evidence at the time of the event. It is common for people to think they will remember details, but having the facts documented can support your efforts should you move forward with a claim later.

Minor Damage and Large Expenses

There is a wide range of vehicular damage and personal injury that is possible as the result of a car accident. Sometimes damage seems minor at the scene but once a reputable mechanic looks over a vehicle they see indicators of larger harm, which could lead to large repair bills.

Do not talk about who is at fault at the scene of the accident or throughout the process of accessing repair estimates. Let the facts speak for themselves. You don’t have to research the ins and outs of insurance negotiations and personal injury law. Instead connect with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney you can trust.

Are you struggling to determine who is responsible for expenses following a fender bender? Share your questions with the knowledgeable attorneys at Earnhart Law. Our legal team will assess your documentation and inform you of the next steps. Negotiating with insurance companies isn’t always easy, but because our skilled lawyers have been protecting the rights of personal injury clients for over 30 years, we know how to get your expenses covered. Call 561-265-2220 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.