Car accidents are chaotic. In an instant, lives can change — and the decisions you make in the moments after a crash can affect your health, finances, and legal rights. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sarasota, knowing what to do next is critical.
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we’ve helped countless Sarasota residents navigate the aftermath of car crashes. Whether you’re injured on I-75, Fruitville Road, or a neighborhood street, following these steps can protect both your well-being, your legal claim, and ultimately your finances.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911
First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt — even slightly — call 911 immediately. Florida Statute §316.065 requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or apparent property damage over $500.
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible without causing further injury or damage. Use your hazard lights, and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Step 2: Request a Police Report
Even if the accident seems minor, you should always ask for an official police report. This document serves as a critical piece of evidence in any insurance or personal injury claim.
The responding officer will record statements, take photographs, and document the scene. You can later obtain a copy through the Florida Crash Portal, maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Step 3: Exchange Information — But Be Cautious
You must exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s). Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident — even casually. Statements made in the heat of the moment can later be used against you.
Be polite and cooperative, but remember: your legal rights matter.
Step 4: Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you’re physically able, use your phone to take photos and videos of the following:
- Vehicle damage (all angles)
- License plates
- Skid marks or debris
- Road conditions, signs, and signals
- Injuries
- The wider crash scene (including traffic flow)
If witnesses are nearby, ask for their names and phone numbers. Their accounts can help confirm what happened, especially if liability is disputed. If possible and he or she is willing, try to get a video of the witness providing a firsthand accounting of what occurred in the Sarasota car crash.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries — including concussions, whiplash, and internal trauma — may not show symptoms right away.
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance law (PIP) laws, you must seek medical care within 14 days to preserve your right to benefits. Delaying treatment can also hurt your case by suggesting that your injuries weren’t serious.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurers require prompt notification of a crash. When reporting the accident:
- Stick to the facts
- Don’t give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney
- Do not discuss your injuries in depth until you’ve been examined
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and maximize profits for their insurance companies. Before accepting any settlement, consider getting legal advice. At Dannheisser Injury Law, we offer free consultations and will give you our honest opinion on your case and the existing settlement offer to see if it is worth taking or retaining an experienced Sarasota car accident attorney.
Step 7: Contact a Sarasota Car Accident Attorney
The moments and days after a crash can feel overwhelming — and you’re not expected to handle it alone. An experienced Sarasota car accident attorney can guide you through insurance claims, preserve critical evidence, and protect your rights from day one.
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we are deeply familiar with how Florida’s car accident laws work and how insurers operate. We also understand the local roads, intersections, and accident patterns that often contribute to crashes in Sarasota County.
If your accident involved serious injuries, disputed liability, an uninsured driver, or potential wrongful death, it’s especially important to speak with a lawyer before moving forward.
Why This Matters
Whether your car accident happened downtown, near the University Parkway corridor, or on a rural Sarasota back road, these immediate steps can significantly impact your recovery – physical, mental, emotional and financial.
Every crash is different — and every client deserves personalized guidance.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Sarasota auto accident, don’t leave your future to chance. The experienced team at Dannheisser Injury Law is ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Call us now at 941-365-7600, complete the contact form on our website, or chat live with us directly on our website to take the first step towards recovery today.
You don’t have to face this alone — let us help you move forward.
