Talking To Police After A Car Accident In Bradenton

Considering the high rate of car accidents in Bradenton, your risks of being involved in one are high. It is important to be aware of your legal obligations when any type of crash occurs, as well as your rights in terms of seeking compensation for your injuries. Notifying the police is the first step. Our  Bradenton car accident lawyer explains what to say and do when interacting with them.

Notify The Police For Any Type Of Car Accident

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that over 6,000 car accidents in Manatee County happen each year. All motorists need to be aware of what to do in the aftermath, just in case. This includes your obligation to notify the police.

Under the Florida Statutes, you are required to notify the police of any type of crash or collision resulting in property damages or personal injuries. Rather than contacting them directly, call 9-1-1 instead. Report the accident site, the number of drivers involved, and whether anyone is injured.

Once the police arrive at the scene, they will begin filling out an accident report. Information you will be asked to provide includes:

• Your name, address, and contact information;
• Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information;
• A statement regarding how the accident happened and what you were doing in the moments prior;
• Information about any personal injuries you may have suffered and damage to your vehicle;
• Any additional observations or information you wish to provide.

Make sure the officer obtains the same information from other motorists involved. If they ask if you require medical care, always say yes.

What Not To Say To Police After A Crash

Personal injuries that happen in car accidents in Bradenton have the potential to be severe. Information obtained through police reports could impact your rights in terms of compensation. While you should cooperate with the authorities and provide all requested information, knowing what not to say is important as well:

• Avoid speculating about the causes of the crash;
• Avoid admitting even partial liability;
• Avoid providing too many details on what you were doing in the moments prior to when it happened;
• Avoid commenting on your activities earlier in the day;
• Avoid downplaying your injuries or the amount of damage to your vehicle.

Generally, you want to provide only basic information. If pressed, explain you would like to speak with a lawyer before making any additional statements. Request a copy of the accident report at the scene, as well as an additional copy directly from the Bradenton Police in the days after.

Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

What you say or do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident in Bradenton, as well as in the days and weeks following, could directly impact your rights in seeking compensation. To protect yourself, reach out to the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely right away. Call or contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer online and request a consultation.

Source:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.066.html

bradentonpd.com/publicrecordsrequest