What to Do in an Orlando Car Accident during the Holidays
During the holidays, Florida’s roadways experience a dramatic increase in traffic because of the thousands of additional holiday travelers. Whether you are here visiting over the holidays, or you are a Florida resident, your odds of being involved in a collision increase during the holidays. Knowing what to do if you are injured in a car accident is the key to recovering physically, emotionally, and financially.
The Orlando car accident attorneys at Warner & Warner represent injured victims of car accidents as well as surviving family members who lost a loved one in a car accident. Our expertise, resources, and dedication will help ensure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable and that you are compensated for all your injuries.
Holiday Car Accident Facts and Figures
Florida has long been a popular travel destination during the holidays. Whether travelers arrive by vehicle, airplane, or cruise ship, most ultimately end up traveling on the state’s roadways while here. Figures compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tell us that the number of accidents increases markedly during holiday periods in Florida. During the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, your odds of being involved in a fatal car crash increase at least ten percent in a typical year. From Christmas Day to New Year’s Day the odds almost double, due in large part to the fact that motorists are more likely to drink and drive during that week than during a typical week. Fourth of July is another holiday period that sees both increased traffic and an increase in collisions throughout the State of Florida. Impaired driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving are all common factors in a holiday collision.
Steps to Take Following an Orlando Car Accident during the Holidays
Finding yourself injured in a car accident can be traumatic enough at any time of the year and in any location. If you are injured in a car accident during the holidays the entire experience is often more frightening and confusing – particularly if you do not live near where the crash occurred. The following steps taken after a car accident during the holidays will help ensure that you receive the medical treatment you need and that the at-fault party compensates you for your injuries.
- Secure the scene and remove yourself if possible. When an initial collision occurs on a roadway, the occupants of the involved vehicles are frequently at even greater risk of injury from secondary collisions that happen because drivers do not react quickly enough to the first collision or are too busy “rubber-necking” to avoid becoming part of the accident. If you are physically able to do so, get your vehicle off the roadway or exit the vehicle yourself and move to the sidewalk/shoulder.
- Contact the police. Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. Not only can the police help prevent additional collisions, but first responders can conduct an initial evaluation of you and your injuries as well. Moreover, calling the police creates an official record and report of the accident which you may need later.
- Obtain contact information. If your injuries allow you to, get contact information for the other drivers (including insurance information) involved in the collision as well as for vehicle occupants and witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene. Also, take some pictures of the collision and the surrounding roadway if you can before you leave the scene.
- Have your injuries thoroughly evaluated. Having a first responder look at you while at the scene is always wise; however, there is no substitute for a thorough medical evaluation done at the hospital. You may not feel as though you were seriously injured in the crash only to find out after being evaluated that you suffered a potentially life-threatening traumatic brain injury.
- Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance company know about the car accident after you are certain you are out of immediate danger. Do not, however, speak to an adjuster from another party’s insurance company before you have consulted with an attorney.
- Talk to a car accident attorney. Understanding where you stand from a legal perspective is crucial to regaining some of the control you probably felt like you lost as an accident victim. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney also ensures that your rights as a victim will be protected throughout the claim process.
- Follow through with treatment and document injuries. Knowing that you may be pursuing a claim against an at-fault party, it is important to document your injuries. It is equally important to follow through with all recommended medical treatments to ensure that your injuries heal to the extent possible.
When to Contact an Orlando Car Accident Attorney
At Warner & Warner, our Orlando car accident attorneys are committed to pursuing the legal rights of car accident victims and surviving family members. If you were injured in an Orlando car accident during the holidays or lost a loved one in a holiday car accident, contact the Orlando car accident lawyers at Warner & Warner to discuss your legal options. Call us at 321-972-1889 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.