Attorney Steve Floyd speaks with Alabama News Network interview, host Ellis Eskew, about essential steps to take following a car accident. They highlight the importance of remaining calm, collecting vital information, and prioritizing safety. Floyd underscores the necessity of contacting the police, documenting the scene, and addressing any injuries. For those unsure about when to seek legal advice, our attorneys recommend doing so immediately, especially if the injuries are severe.
Alabama News Network host, Ellis Eskew:
Well, unfortunately, millions of people get into car accidents every year. But what should you do if you’re in one? Steven Floyd with Floyd Hunter Personal Injury Attorneys is here to let us know. Thank you for being here today.
Thank you so much, Ellis. It’s my pleasure.
Ellis:
And we are talking about car accidents, and, you know, sometimes you get in those situations and you don’t plan for it and you don’t know what to do. What is the first thing someone should do when they’re in a car accident?
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Stay calm because you’ve just been through probably the most stressful thing you’ll go through that day. Stay calm, and realize you’ve got some information to gather. And that’s really the second tip: get organized, stay organized, get your driver’s license, get your insurance information. And then, the most important thing: stay safe. If you’re gonna exit your car, make sure it’s safe to do so.
Ellis:
Right, now what if you were injured in this car accident? What’s the best outline of events then?
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Well, the police are your friends, so they’re there to help and document the scene and to keep everybody safe. Mention it to the investigating officer, they’ll be glad to call EMS. A little tip: even if you don’t need an ambulance and you know that you’re hurting, if you’ll mention that to the police officer, he’ll at least make a note of it even if an ambulance doesn’t have to respond. And that’ll help you down the road because, you know, our opinion is if you are hurt you’re gonna eventually need treatment, even if it’s not emergency treatment.
Ellis:
Okay, and should you always call the police in those situations?
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Almost always. You’ll never regret getting an accident report. Something that most people don’t know because they’ve never encountered it is if there’s an accident on private property, like a parking lot, police are not often going to do an accident report. And then it’s even more important that you document, either through pictures or taking notes, what’s happened and who you’ve been involved with.
Ellis:
Okay, and when do you call an attorney if you think you may need one?
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Well, if you’re hurt seriously, I think immediately because I am an accident attorney. But I can guarantee you the insurance company had an attorney on the job when you woke up this morning, and they’re working for the insurance company. We want to work for you to get a settlement that’s fair, and if it’s not fair, well, there are other avenues to pursue.
Ellis:
Okay, well, thank you so much for being here. And how can people get into contact with you if they want to?
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Thank you so much they can call our number: 452-4000 or reach us online at FloydHunter.com
Ellis:
Okay, and the information’s there on the screen. We appreciate you being here today.
Attorney Steve Floyd:
Thank you so much.