What is Your Role in Reducing the Accidents on Our Roads?

A huge cause for concern when traveling is being involved in an automobile accident. Not only are accidents inconvenient, but the results are also often dangerous and sometimes fatal. Accidents happen within an instant, leaving most people with questions about their causes, placing blame on the other party with an increased need for prevention.

The obvious financial burden resulting from an accident ranges from medical to legal, and most people do not have the resources to cover those costs. Insurance companies will only cover a portion, or none at all. But what if you could do more than fight for financial protection? What if there were things you could put into practice and share to help more people avoid accidents?

• If you're in a safe location, don't move your car

• Call 911

• Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s)

• Take pictures of the scene. Position of the other vehicles. Pictures of your vehicle damage.

• Notice and make contact with any potential witnesses (get contact information)

• Check for any and all potential video cameras (traffic cams, parking lot video cameras, private business establishments)

• DO NOT call either insurance company before talking to an attorney

• If possible, and you feel okay, avoid going to the hospital. Urgent care is preferred due to size of the bill. If you go to the hospital, your insurance will typically only pay 75% of the bill.

• Florida is a no fault state - this means your own insurance pays for first bills

• Document any and all injuries right at the scene

• Clearly explain to officer how the accident happened, as this will affect the police report that's generated, along with potential finding of fault.

• Document the way accident actually occurred - the story. You may forget this later.

• Copy of driver exchange information from Police officer (you'll use this for police report later on)