What to Do Before and After a Car Accident

Auto Accident Info You Should Know for Your Safety and Protection

If you’ve ever been in a car accident then you know how stressful and expensive this sudden and violent event can be. If you haven’t, then take our word for it, it’s definitely a stress-filled situation from the start. But, studies show that preparation helps reduce stress and expenses. It definitely goes a long way when dealing with an unexpected car crash.

If you haven’t been in a car accident then consider yourself fortunate. Look at these numbers by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):

Over 340,000 crashes involving over 569,000 drivers recorded in the state of Florida alone in 2020.
That’s an average of over 900 crashes per day.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Florida Traffic Crash Facts 2020 PDF

What to Do BEFORE a Car Accident

Unfortunately, car accidents happen… because of this, there’s a need for proper car insurance to help cover the costs associated with it. The severity of an auto accident can range from a fender-bender to something more serious. Being proactive with your car insurance protects both you and your wallet in the event it is serious.

Ensure You Have Proper Auto Accident Coverage

When it comes to car insurance, it’s important to educate yourself so you can choose the coverage for you. Talk with an experienced, local insurance agent who can answer your coverage questions. A good agent should ask these questions of you with your best interests in mind.

Basic Automobile Coverage

The State of Florida requires a basic amount of car insurance coverage by law. When registering for a license plate, proof of this coverage must be present. Your proof of insurance must show the proper PIP and PDL coverage amounts.

Definitions:

• PIP = Personal Injury Protection
• PDL = Property Damage Liability

Requirements:

Currently, drivers in Florida must carry:

1. $10,000 or more in PIP
2. $10,000 or more in PDL

Unfortunately, laws do not stop drivers from driving underinsured or even without insurance. In fact, uninsured motorists are an increased risk to all drivers. Look at this surprising statics:

One in Eight Drivers are Uninsured.

Insurance Research Council
One in Eight Drivers Uninsured News Release PDF

What Does This Mean?

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver and do not have adequate coverage… You may not be able to cover your injuries and repairs. To safeguard from this, you need UM and UIM insurance.

Definitions:

• UM  =  Uninsured Motorist 
• UIM  =  Underinsured Motorist

Requirements:

Currently, drivers in Florida are not required to carry UM or UIM coverage.

UM and UIM coverage may cost more, but well worth it when it comes to you and your family getting proper treatment if needed. Be sure to ask when discussing your insurance policy with a qualified agent.

What to Do AFTER a Car Accident

There are no set “rules” for what to do after an auto accident because each one has its own, unique circumstances. You may have heard to call a lawyer referral service first. But, for your health and safety, there are other things to consider. Here are the 7 most important things you should do immediately after any car accident:

1. MOVE TO SAFETY: Put your hazard lights on and, if possible, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic and more potential danger.
2. CHECK FOR INJURIES: Check your passengers and yourself for injuries. Then check other driver(s) and passengers involved in the crash for injuries.
3. CALL THE POLICE: Call the police no matter how small the incident and wait until they arrive on scene. Avoid all confrontation with agitated other parties.
4. DO NOT DISCUSS: Do not discuss the details of your accident with anyone other than the police, your insurance carrier, and your attorney.
5. EXCHANGE INFO: Once the police have arrived… Exchange info with all motorists involved and eye witnesses. Get full names, driver’s license, tag number, and insurance information. Take a photo with your phone of their ID and insurance card if possible.
6. GET POLICE REPORT: Get a copy of the police accident report as soon as possible. Ask the police officer on the scene when the report will be available and where to access it.
7. REPORT TO INSURANCE: Report the car accident to your insurance carrier by contacting them directly. The claim number to call is located on your insurance ID card. Contact your insurance agent if needed.
8. TREAT YOUR INJURIES: Treat your injuries as soon as possible. Passengers should also treat their injuries asap.

How We Can Help

Everyone knows insurance can get confusing, but Caton Hosey is here to help. We can explain insurance coverage in ways that make sense. You’ll have peace of mind in choosing the policy for you, your family, and your vehicle.

Help Before a Car Accident

We can help you find affordable car insurance for you and your family. A licensed agent at Caton Hosey can answer coverage questions and find a policy that won’t break the bank.

Help After a Car Accident

We can provide the specific contact number for claims at your insurance provider. Caton Hosey can assist you in filing your claim for repairs and answer general questions.

Closing

We hope this article helps you and our wish is that no one has to experience an automobile accident big or small. But if they do, we hope no one suffers injuries and vehicle damages are light. Always remember to please drive safe!

Sources

• Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash and Citation Reports & Statistics (www.flhsmv.gov/resources/)
  Florida Insurance Requirements (www.flhsmv.gov/insurance/)
• Insurance Research Council (www.insurance-research.org)
• Allstate Insurance Company Uninsured motorist coverage & underinsured motorist coverage (www.allstate.com)