Under Florida law, drivers are legally obligated to exchange certain information with other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians in the aftermath of a collision. Motorists should know what details they must provide and should collect during driver exchange of information in Florida.
Necessary Information You Must Exchange After Car Accidents in Florida
The driver information exchange after an auto accident helps the involved parties pursue insurance or legal claims, if necessary, to recover compensation for their injuries and vehicle damage.
Here’s some of the information you should collect and exchange with the other driver or drivers involved in a car accident in Florida:
- Insurance Information: Make sure you get the other driver’s insurance details. Drivers should exchange their auto insurance providers’ names and respective policy numbers to facilitate filing claims against liability coverage.
- Names: Remember to collect the names of the drivers involved in the crash and the names of the passengers in each vehicle.
- Contact Information: Exchange contact information, such as phone numbers or emails, with each driver involved in the accident. If you notice any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident, ask them for their contact information in case you need them to provide written statements or testimony in a subsequent insurance claim or car accident lawsuit.
- Current Address: Remember to exchange physical or mailing address information with each driver in the accident.
- Car Details: Note identifying details for each vehicle involved in the accident, including the make, model, color, license plate number, property damage, and other notable details like paint stripes or bumper stickers.
What Not to Do or Say After a Car Accident
Exercise caution when speaking with other drivers involved in a car crash or insurance companies following an accident. You might inadvertently jeopardize your right to compensation if you say the wrong thing. Here are topics to avoid:
- Any admissions of fault, such as admitting to breaking the speed limit or running a red light/stop sign
- Other statements that might indicate fault, such as, “I didn’t see you.”
- “I’m sorry” or other apologetic statements, which an insurance company might construe as consciousness of guilt or fault
- “I’m fine” or “I’m okay,” which might undermine a subsequent injury claim
Do I Need to Contact an Attorney?
You can best protect your legal rights after a car accident by speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure whether you have a case. A car accident attorney can help by gathering information and evidence you might need for an insurance or legal claim. They can also defend your interests if the other parties involved in the accident file insurance or legal claims to recover compensation from you. Remember that the insurance company wants to save money, and they accomplish that goal by denying claims. A personal injury attorney can help them follow through on their policies, including personal injury protection.
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Attorney to Learn More
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Florida, you need seasoned legal counsel to help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
