Fort Lauderdale, Florida Video Magazine Summer Edition

Plain Text Edition — Single Page • PID 31546 • Magazine 26991 • HelloNation

What to Do After an Accident: Advice from an Accident Attorney

In the moments after a car accident, most people feel overwhelmed. You may be asking yourself questions like, “What if I don’t have insurance?”, “What if I wasn’t driving?”, or “Do I have a case?”. As attorneys who have helped thousands of individuals throughout South Florida, we know how critical it is to understand what to do immediately after an accident. This is especially true in high-traffic cities like Fort Lauderdale, where certain intersections are frequently the site of serious collisions.
One area that consistently sees a high number of accidents is the intersection of Broward Boulevard and US-1. With heavy traffic from commuters, tourists, and local businesses, the combination of high volume and frequent lane changes can lead to complex, multi-vehicle crashes. Accidents in this area often involve significant property damage and injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
After an accident, the first step is to make sure the incident is documented. Even if the crash seems minor, obtaining a police report provides an official record of the event, which can be important later.
Medical attention should be sought right away, even if injuries are not immediately felt. Having a record of treatment that’s tied to the time and location of the crash strengthens your claim. It’s also wise to take photos of the vehicles, roadway conditions, and any visible injuries.
Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting fault. Even casual remarks can be misunderstood. The best approach is to stay calm, stick to the facts, and let the investigation proceed.
Knowing what to do in those first few moments can help protect your rights and improve the outcome of your case.

About the author

Mark Miller attended University of Delaware where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and then attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and earned his law degree. He was admitted to the Florida Bar and served as an Assistant State Attorney and at an insurance defense firm.
Rick Jacobs earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa and his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan. Rick Jacobs was admitted to the Florida Bar and served as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade before private practice.