What To Expect at a Car Accident Scene
While your chances of being involved in a car accident depend on several factors, research suggests that for every one thousand miles you drive, your odds of being involved in a collision are 1 in 366. In the U.S., car accidents injure two million people and kill over 32,000 people annually. This is according to the CDC. So, in other words, the scary reality is that if you have never been involved in a car accident, your chances of being involved in one are quite high.
If you have never gotten into a car crash, you might not know what to expect at the scene of a collision. Yet, it is vital that you understand what to expect at a car accident scene. In this article, we discuss what happens at a car accident scene so you can be ready in the event you get involved in a collision.
The Police Will Conduct a Preliminary Investigation and Prepare a Report
After getting into a car accident, one of the first things you want to ensure you do is to call the police. According to Florida Statute 316.065, when you are involved in a car accident that results in injury or death or property damage of at least $500, you are required to call the police and report the accident. Once the police arrive at the accident scene, they will contain the scene to avoid more accidents. Then, they will conduct a preliminary investigation at the accident scene. If you and all the other involved parties are able to talk, the police will take statements from you. Usually, statements are taken separately. The police will also speak to any witnesses nearby. All the information gathered will be written down, and a police report will be prepared. Usually, police officers will share information on how you can obtain a copy of your accident report before they leave the accident scene.
Emergency Medical Providers Will Arrive at the Accident Scene
Usually, when the police are called to a car accident scene, emergency medical providers will also come to the scene. When paramedics arrive at the accident scene, they will take care of everyone who has suffered severe injuries. Even if you are not obviously injured, it is best that you allow the paramedics to examine you. At times, car accident injuries are not so obvious. For example, you may have suffered an internal injury, which can be hard to diagnose.
The Other Motorist May Try To Talk to You
After a car accident, you need to exchange names, contact information, driver’s license information, and insurance information with the other driver. Exchanging necessary information with the other driver is all you should do at the accident scene. If the other driver tries to talk to you, it is best that you don’t engage in the conversation. Otherwise, you may say things you don’t mean. Also, do not apologize or agree to anything the other driver tells you without speaking to an attorney. If you do, you may be jeopardizing your compensation claim.
Contact a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
After a car accident, our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
news9.com/story/5e6fca6cf86011d4820c3f2d/what-are-your-chances-of-getting-into-a-car-accident#:~:text=News%20On%206-,A%20report%20by%20Esurance%20found%20that%2077%25%20of%20drivers%20have%20been%20in%20at%20least%20one%20accident.%20Your%20chances%20of%20getting%20into%20a%20car%20accident%20during%20a%201%2C000%2Dmile%20trip%20are%201%20in%20366
