Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach?
Gregg Hollander | August 11, 2021 | Car Accidents
Ideally, you will never be involved in a car accident. However, you can only control your own decisions behind the wheel. Someone else may cause your accident through careless driving. In fact, motor vehicle accidents in West Palm Beach are fairly common.
You can prepare for a possible car accident by studying the steps you should take after a wreck. For example, you may wonder whether you should call 911 after your wreck. The answer is a resounding “Yes.” This overview will explain why.
When to Call 911 After a Car Accident in West Palm Beach, FL
Florida law requires drivers to report car accidents that:
- Result in a death
- Result in injury
- Cause estimated property damage of at least $500.00
However, it’s wise to report every accident to law enforcement. You must report your accident to a local law enforcement agency. If you do not know the phone number of the local police station, you can call 911 instead.
Another driver may try to convince you not to call the police, especially if they’re intoxicated or uninsured. Don’t let them sway you. Reporting the accident is key to avoiding legal penalties. It can also improve your chances of recovering compensation if you decide to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Additional Steps to Take After a West Palm Beach Car Accident
Calling 911 is merely one step you should take after being involved in a car accident. You should also do the following:
Check on the Other Driver
After your collision, check yourself for injuries and move to a safe area away from traffic. Then, check on the other drivers involved in the accident. Make sure the other drivers are unharmed and calmly exchange your names, contact information, and insurance information.
Gather Evidence
Gather evidence while you wait for the police to arrive. This evidence can make or break your injury claim. Start by getting the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
Next, take pictures of the scene from various angles. Be sure to take clear photographs of damage your vehicle has sustained. Take pictures of any signs of injury as well.
Cooperate with the Police
It’s critical to monitor what you say after the accident. You should avoid making any statements that suggest you’re at fault for the accident. However, you should cooperate with the police when they arrive on the scene. Answer their questions honestly, and don’t let your emotions impact your behavior or words.
Seek Medical Attention
You should obtain medical treatment as soon as possible after your accident — even if you believe you are uninjured. Signs of injury may not show up hours or days after your crash. If you don’t seek medical attention promptly, an insurance company could accuse you of failing to mitigate damages. They could even reduce or deny your claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in South Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873