It is estimated more than six million car crashes happen yearly in the United States alone. Luckily, most of them only involve damage to the vehicle, but there are cases where someone is hurt or worse. If you have been involved in a car crash in St. Petersburg, FL, it’s easy to become disoriented and unsure of what to do next. With that in mind, read on for a few of the things you should do first after a car crash.
Stop First
While this is truly a no-brainer, it does bear talking about. You should never leave the scene of a car crash in St. Petersburg, FL. Instead, pull your car as far off the road as you can get, if possible, and wait on the proper authorities to arrive.
Call the Police
Once you have found out everyone is okay, call the police so they can send an officer and the paramedics, if needed. Try to protect the scene of the accident as much as you can without putting yourself or others at risk. Make sure to go to the emergency room, even if you feel you don’t need to. Many times, injuries don’t present themselves until after the adrenaline has worn off. You may not feel it until the next morning so it’s important to be seen right away.
Protect Your Interest
Once you have been released by the emergency room staff or the paramedics at the scene, you need to protect your interest by reporting the accident to your insurance company and then contacting a reputable attorney to help you deal with any claims you need to make.
For more information on what to do after a car crash in St. Petersburg, FL, and to find a reputable attorney.
