What to do After an Accident
Because car accidents happen so suddenly, it is nearly impossible to remember what to do following a crash. By following these steps and using an auto accident attorney, you can protect yourself, your money and even your life.
To prepare yourself for what happens next, following an auto accident, here are our top ten most important things to remember:
- Be prepared – know the details of your insurance coverage, and keep these items in your car: a list of medical conditions, allergies and/or prescriptions; a pen and paper to record information; a camera to take pictures of damage; flares or cones to alert other drivers.
- Assess injuries – make sure anyone involved in the accident is not injured. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. The police do not always respond if this is a no-injury accident. If the accident is minimal, the car(s) can be moved to a safe place.
- Remain at the accident site – you must remain at the site until a police report has been completed or until all relevant information is exchanged. To leave the site, particularly if there are injuries, can be a crime.
- Remain in your car until help arrives – you are less likely to experience additional harm if you stay in your car with your seatbelt intact and your hazard lights on.
- Exchange information – this includes both parties’ names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, make/model/year or VIN number of the car. Make sure the name of the driver is the same name as the name of the person on the insurance policy.
- Take pictures and record all pertinent details – take pictures of every detail on your car and the other car. Write down all details as well. This is imperative documentation for your auto accident attorney.
- Witnesses – if anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to get their contact information for future reference.
- Call your insurance company immediately – most companies require immediate reporting.
- Be careful what you say/don’t assume the other party is on your side – do not talk to anyone other than the police, your insurance company and your attorney.
- Call an attorney – because auto accidents are so complex and so many unexpected situations can arise, some of which can alter your life forever, always seek the advice of an auto accident attorney, to protect yourself.
At Morgan Law Firm, we have successfully represented countless individuals and
families avoid any pitfalls and recover in the most positive way possible. Call us today and let us protect you from any future problems that may arise.
