First-time car accident safety and evidence collection

February 14, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

No one gets used to being in car accidents, but the first one that you experience as a driver shocks the system. Feelings of panic, anger or fear are common among drivers in South Florida when collisions occur. The extent of your injuries, if any, will influence what you can do after your first car wreck, but you should take the following actions whenever possible.

Move the car out of the way and check for injuries

Unless your vehicle is totally disabled or you are physically unable, move your vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking lot next to the scene of the motor vehicle accident. This helps to reduce traffic problems caused by a blocked road and reduces safety hazards when you get out of the car.

Evaluate yourself for injuries and ask your passengers if they are hurt. Call 911 for medical assistance if anyone has suffered an injury, especially if they are bleeding or have head injuries. If you experience serious pain when you try to exit the vehicle, stop. Warn badly injured passengers to stay in their seats as well. Wait for emergency personnel to stabilize you in case you have suffered a spinal injury.

Exchange information and take pictures

Chances are high that your accident will result in an insurance claim. Payment of a claim relies on documenting the crash. In addition to asking the police to respond to the accident and file an official report, you need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers.

You should also feel free to take photos with your phone. Collect images of the vehicles, their plates, damage and your injuries. Photographic evidence contributes greatly to the determination of fault and financial responsibility.


Jared K. Newman Esq. is the Managing Partner of the Personal Injury division at South Florida Law, PLLC. Mr. Newman is an experienced civil litigation attorney who has dedicated his practice to representing those injured while driving, walking, at work or elsewhere due to the negligence of others. He is an experienced advocate for his clients against insurance companies that refuse to pay fair and just compensation for the injuries caused by their insureds. His expertise in litigation rounds out the capabilities that form the personal injury practice area of the firm. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, he received his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Mr. Newman has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2010.