What Information Should Be Exchanged After a Florida Car Accident?
Every driver has a duty to drive responsibly at all times to prevent car accidents. Unfortunately, car accidents are quite common in Florida, with most of these accidents happening because of negligence. According to the FLHSMV, in 2022 alone, there were 396,486 traffic crashes in Florida. Even a few seconds of negligence can cause a serious car accident. Fortunately, in Florida, if you get involved in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you can file a claim against the negligent driver and recover compensation. However, there are certain steps you must take after your accident if you want to be able to make a successful compensation claim.
One of the most crucial steps after a Florida car accident is exchanging information with the other driver. Not only is this a vital step, but it is also a legal requirement. According to Florida law, drivers are legally required to exchange information when an accident results in injury, death, or damage to any vehicle or other property. The information you need to trade after a Florida car accident may seem obvious, but some people make mistakes that end up harming their compensation case. Below is some information you should ensure you exchange after a Florida car accident.
Names
After a car accident, you need to exchange names with the other driver. Ensure you get the full name of the other driver. Do not make the mistake of noting down only the first name of the other driver. You need to get their full legal names.
Contact Information
After a Florida car accident, ensure you exchange contact information with the other driver. If the car that hit you belongs to someone else and not the other driver, ensure you get the contact details of the car owner. Ask for the name and phone number of the car owner. It is also vital that if the other driver does not own the car they are driving, you find out the relationship between them and the car owner. You may find that the other driver was not legally allowed to be driving the car that hit you.
Living Address
Ensure you have the other driver’s current living address. If the driver who hit you does not own the car they are driving, ensure you ask for the living address of the car owner.
Car Details
After a Florida car accident, you should exchange vehicle registration number details. You should also exchange driver’s license numbers. It is your legal right to ask the other driver for this information.
Insurance Information
Finally, you should take note of the other driver’s insurance details. If you fail to collect this information, it may be impossible to file a compensation claim. You need this information as compensation is usually paid by insurance companies.
What if the other driver refuses to share the necessary information with you? In such a case, when the police arrive at the accident scene, you can ask them to help you get the information you need.
Legal Help Is Available
In the event of a Florida car accident, our skilled Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you with your compensation claim.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Naples, Melbourne, and West Palm Beach areas.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
