YES. Whenever involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Tampa Bay area it is important to notify the proper authorities.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, New Port Richey or anywhere else in Florida it is important to properly document the facts of the motor vehicle accident. Law Enforcement involvement in a car accident investigation ensures that proper and correct information is provided and documented. The police will ensure that the drivers involved in the accident provide proper insurance and contact information.
If you are involved in a car accident and for some reason you are unable to call the police or choose not call the police – it is very important that you obtain all the insurance information from the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes the name of the insurance companies and the policy numbers. Every driver in Florida is required to carry proof of insurance in his or her vehicle; therefore, you should be able to obtain the insurance information off of the driver’s insurance card. Additionally, it is extremely important that you write down the name and address of the other drivers involved in the accident. You can easily obtain this information off of a driver’s license. Last, write down the make, model, color and license plate number of all the vehicles involved in the accident.
If at any point a driver is not being cooperative or is being combative – call the police immediately.
If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC for a free consultation. Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.