If you have a driver’s license in Florida, you may have an inkling about procedures to follow if you become involved in a motor vehicle accident. But considering all that is at stake in such situations, an inkling is hardly ideal.
In minor incidents there is usually still a good deal of damage to property that needs to be addressed. When someone suffers an injury in a crash, whether it is minor, serious or catastrophic, the importance of taking swift and decisive action is even more important.
On the chance that not everyone has a smartphone and an app that provides such information here are some key things to keep in mind. At the end of the post, look for a link that will direct you to a pamphlet that you can print out and put in your glove compartment.
Basics include:
· Get the license numbers of all the other vehicles involved.
· Get the names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information from other drivers.
· Don’t move a vehicle unless the law requires it or safety demands.
· Don’t leave the scene of a crash until police say it’s OK.
· Call the police.
In addition to those steps, here are some other things the state Bureau of Motorist Compliance says should be done to get the state’s help to hold liable drivers responsible after an accident.
1. Get an official police crash report. Be aware, though, that the state can only act if the report shows a moving violation was charged.
2. Get the report to the bureau as quickly as possible.
3. Obtain a court’s judgment against an at-fault party. Then, 30 days after that, send a certified copy of the judgment and the crash report to the bureau.
It’s useful that state law provides victims of crashes with this kind of help, but observe how complicated the process is and the time involved to get action. Enlisting skilled, experienced legal counsel is likely to be beneficial.
Click here for that promised handy guide.