WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU’VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT?

1. Call the Police

After the accident has occurred, if you are safe and not seriously injured, contact the police immediately. A police accident report should be made at the scene of the accident before any of the automobiles are moved.

2. Don’t say too much at the scene of the accident

Don’t say too much to the other persons involved, other than to ensure that they are not in need of immediate medical assistance. Obtain their name(s), driver’s license number, and their automobile liability insurance information. Limit your conversation to gathering information, and then remove yourself to a safe place, away from traffic, to await the arrival of the police on the scene. Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone. Do not tell anyone that you are “fine” if you are not.

3. Identify Witnesses to the accident

If any witnesses to the accident are available, you should also obtain their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Good witnesses are very important to a successful automobile accident case. Once again, limit your conversation with any witnesses to finding out their name, address, phone number, and what they witnessed. Be friendly – these may be the people on whom you rely for a successful ruling at trial.

4. Obtain medical treatment for your injuries

If the accident is not a serious one, you might not immediately experience pain or obvious injuries. You may, however, experience muscle and joint pain later in the day or week. To be on the safe side, once you begin to experience pain and discomfort, you should consider seeking immediate medical attention at an emergency room, clinic, or at your local physician’s office.

You should attend all of your doctor appointments, follow your doctor’s instructions, attend all physical therapy sessions, and take prescriptions as instructed. If you think you are injured, but do not obtain appropriate medical treatment, then any claim for personal injuries is defeated long before you seek an attorney.

If the accident is a serious one, an ambulance may arrive on the scene for your benefit. If you have any doubts at all of whether you need medical care, you should allow the ambulance to take you to the hospital for treatment. Better safe than sorry.

5. Notify your insurance agent

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after an accident. Your insurance company may have grounds to deny coverage if you fail to give prompt notice of the accident. Follow up the phone call with a written notice and save a copy for your files. The written notice should contain information about the date, time, and place of the accident, with names and addresses of the other drivers, injured persons, passengers, and witnesses.

6. Call your lawyer

If you are considering a lawsuit, or expect one to be brought against you, or if you received a traffic ticket, your lawyer can advise you about your rights and responsibilities. The sooner you call your lawyer the better since witnesses may forget the details of the accident. Your lawyer can counsel you on how to respond to questions from insurance adjusters and help you recover compensation for your personal injuries and damages to your car.