How to Stay Safe After An Auto Accident

Feb. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact
Seth Lehrman, Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L.
(954) 524-2820
Kim Sailer, BARD Marketing/PR
ksailer@bardmarketing.com

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The personal injury and auto accident attorneys of Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman share tips on what to do after an auto accident and how to stay safe.

Did you know that in just more than a year, 11 people in five incidents were hit and killed after leaving their cars? Some had been in minor crashes; others had stopped to help, according to a recent Sun-Sentinel (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-crash-kills-three-20120123,0,3073109.story)  article.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky said, “People with disabled vehicles need to study their surroundings and seek protected ground behind guardrails.” He added, “We encourage people to get off to the side of the road. You definitely don't want to stand behind the car [facing traffic]."

Even for police, "routine" traffic stops are one of the most dangerous of law enforcement activities. More officers are killed during these so-called "routine" traffic stops than during any other enforcement activity by passing vehicles that do not slow down or move over. In an effort to save lives, Florida adopted Move Over, It’s the Law (http://www.flhsmv.gov/safetytips/MoveOverTips.htm).

This new law basically states that drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other highway safety vehicles displaying red, blue and/or amber flashing lights must now move over one lane or, if not safe to move over, then slowdown 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

We encourage everyone to move over, even when you see an accident without emergency vehicles on-site or any disabled vehicle, for everyone’s safety.

What to Do in An Car or Truck Accident:

After an auto accident it is important to get to safety. This includes moving the vehicle if you are blocking traffic, only if it is mobile and safe to do so. Put your vehicles hazard lights on. If you can exit the vehicle then move behind the guardrails or an area away from passing vehicles. Once you are in a safe area call the police, or if injuries were sustained, call 911 to report the incident and get immediate medical attention. Exchange information with the other driver and don’t talk about the accident until the police get there, and do not give a recorded statement to anyone.

Information to Collect After An Auto Accident:

After an accident you should document the following:

* Record the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of the driver and any passengers
* Take down the make, model, color and year of any vehicles involved, including registration information, license plate numbers and state
* Document the insurance information including policy number, name of policy, insurance company phone number for all drivers involved in the accident
* If there are any eye-witnesses of the accident, record their statement of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident
* Take photos with your phone or an instant camera of the vehicles, the accident site and any injuries.
* Write down notes and details about the accident including time of day, location, nearest intersections, road conditions, weather conditions, etc.

Remember to stay calm, make safety your primary concern and use common sense following an auto accident.

Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards & Lehrman, P.L., a Fort Lauderdale Litigation firm, focuses on Consumer Class Actions, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Whistleblower Suits (qui tam). The firm is headquartered at 425 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 2 and may be reached at (800) 400-1098 or (954) 524-2820. Additional information about  Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards & Lehrman, P.L. may be obtained from the firm’s website at http://www.pathtojustice.com or search for us on Facebook: FarmerJaffeWeissing

# # #

Beyond All Reasonable Doubt Marketing is a strategic marketing firm focused on helping law firm clients become more successful through increased business. For more information, contact (561) 637-2576, info@bardmarketing.com, or www.bardmarketing.com.