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We all know and love A1A. After all it is “beach front avenue” as expressed so eloquently in the 1990 Vanilla Ice hit “Ice Ice Baby“. It takes us all along the ocean front and allows locals to access stores and shops along that route. But the darker side to A1A are the accidents and personal injuries.
Pedestrians hit by cars has been and is a problem on this route. Cities like Satellite Beach and Indialantic have taken measures to help prevent these occurrences. Speed limits have been brought down and special walkways have been devised. Regardless of these efforts, pedestrian strikes and car accidents still happen.
Mistake #1 – I’m OK, I’m Fine, I’m Sorry
It’s our natural instinct to try to mitigate threats and de-escalate when there is an incident. But you may end up saying words which can be interpreted as you taking blame for the accident. It’s best to remain calm and cordial but don’t apologize or admit any wrongdoing. Simply exchange information and tell the officer, “I’m shaken up and need to be checked by a doctor.”
Mistake #2 – Not Calling 911 (or Skipping the Police Report)
A1A is a state road, so many people think a “fender bender” doesn’t need a report. Wrong. If there is any visible injury or more than $500 damage, Florida law requires a report — and you need it for your claim. Always call 911, even for minor-looking crashes. Ask the trooper for the short-form crash report number on the spot (starts with 8xxxxxxxxx).
Mistake #3 – Taking Photos of Cars but Not Injuries or Road Conditions
Most people already know that they should take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash. You should also snap photos of any injuries no matter how insignificant they may appear. These can all be used to piece together the ultimate picture and help you with your case.
What to do instead (the A1A checklist): Wide shot showing both vehicles and the surrounding area
- Close-up of your visible injuries
- The other driver’s insurance card and license
- Any skid marks or debris in the road
- Timestamped photo of the “No Passing Zone” or faded lane markings that contributed
Mistake #4 – Waiting to See a Doctor
Some people will wait days or even weeks to see a doctor. This is a mistake. See a doctor as soon as humanly possible. You may have internal injuries of which you are unaware. Plus, insurance companies can try and use this as proof that you weren’t really injured.
What to do instead: Go to Parrish Medical Center, Health First Holmes Regional, or an urgent care in Indialantic the same or next day. Tell them you were in an A1A crash and ask them to document everything.
Mistake #5 – Giving a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurance Company
This is a big no-no. Insurance companies work tirelessly to save themselves money. They will dissect every word on a recorded phone call to prove their case and try to keep you from getting the money you are rightfully owed.
If they call you politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.” Then call a Melbourne injury lawyer immediately (yes, even before you fix your car).