The moments after a car accident are disorienting. Your adrenaline is surging, you may be in shock, and it is hard to think clearly. But the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make a significant difference — for your health, your insurance claim, and your legal rights.

Here is a clear, step-by-step guide for what to do after a car accident in North Miami.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911

Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay, call 911. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is essential for insurance claims and potential legal action.

Do not move anyone who may have a spinal injury unless there is an immediate safety threat (fire, traffic hazard).

Step 2: Move to Safety and Document the Scene

If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it out of traffic. Then document the scene:

• Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, including damage and license plates
• Photograph the road — skid marks, debris, traffic signals, road conditions
• Photograph any visible injuries on yourself or passengers
• Get the other driver's information — name, license, insurance, vehicle registration

Step 3: Exchange Information

Collect the following from every driver involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

Also get contact information from any witnesses. Their accounts can be valuable if liability is disputed.

Step 4: Report to Your Insurance Company

Notify your auto insurance company as soon as possible. In Florida, you are required to use your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage first, regardless of fault. Your insurer will open a claim and assign a claim number — you will need this for medical billing.

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.

Step 5: Seek Medical Care Within 14 Days — This Is Critical

This is the most important step for your health and your finances.

Florida law requires you to seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Miss this window and your insurer can legally deny your entire claim — even if your injuries are real and documented.

Go to SPARK Chiropractic for your evaluation. We specialize in car accident injuries, bill PIP insurance directly, and can see you the same day you call. Our $49 new patient evaluation includes a full injury assessment and written documentation for your claim.

Step 6: Follow Your Treatment Plan

Once you begin care, follow your treatment plan consistently. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not serious or that you caused additional harm by not following medical advice.

Keep records of:

• All appointments and treatments
• Medications prescribed
• Days missed from work
• How your symptoms affect your daily life

Step 7: Consider Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney

If your injuries are significant, you may want to consult a personal injury attorney. Many work on contingency (no upfront cost) and can help you recover compensation beyond your PIP limits from the at-fault driver's liability insurance.

SPARK Chiropractic works with personal injury attorneys throughout North Miami and can provide the detailed injury documentation your attorney needs.

The 14-Day Rule: Do Not Ignore It

We cannot stress this enough. Florida's no-fault insurance system is designed to get you care quickly — but only if you act within 14 days. Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your benefits.

Call SPARK Chiropractic today at (786) 558-4601. We are at 8801 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33138. Same-day appointments available. Walk-ins welcome.