One minute, you’re busy living your life. The next, you’re in shock. Your airbag is deployed and you’re not sure what happened. You’ve been involved in an auto accident.
Auto accidents are, by nature, unexpected and very stressful. If you find yourself in an automobile accident, remain calm. The best auto accident lawyers will recommend the following action steps when you’re involved in car accident.
What to do immediately following an auto accident:
- CHECK FOR INJURIES. Remember, your body is pumping adrenaline in response to the accident. You may have broken bones and not even be aware of it. If you suspect you are injured, call an ambulance. Internal injuries can be life threatening but not have any outward signs. Your health is the first priority.
- CALL THE POLICE – even if the accident is minor. File a police report, even if the accident is on private property.
- CALL YOU INSURANCE COMPANY. Call from the scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident.
- TAKE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT! Don’t move your vehicle until you can document the auto accident.
- MOVE TO SAFETY. If the accident is minor and you’ve documented the damage and position of the cars, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
- BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SIGN! Limit your signature to the accident report.
- TAKE NOTES. Write down everything you remember about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved.
- GET INFORMATION: Get names, address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Don’t just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down.
- GET INFORMATION FROM WITNESSES. If anyone else saw the accident, get their contact information.
- DO NOT ADMIT FAULT. Be polite, but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault! You also shouldn’t accuse the other driver of being at fault either. Everyone involved is in shock immediately after an accident, and it is wise to say little or nothing.
- TALK ONLY TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE POLICE. Limit your discussion of the accident to YOUR insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
- STAY AT THE ACCIDENT! Do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
- CONTACT AN AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER!!! Finally, contact an auto accident lawyer immediately. When you’ve been in an auto accident, you need someone who is on YOUR site. Finding an attorney who specializes in auto accidents is the best way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, after an auto accident, you’ll be on your own. You’re frightened, you’re injured and the world can be a scary place. You need someone on your side. If you’re reading this and you haven’t been in an auto accident, find an auto accident lawyer BEFORE you need one.
After an auto accident, the clock is ticking. Time is NOT on your side. Find the best auto accident lawyer to protect your rights and your assets.
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