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NEWS:
SUV death rates triple!

At the Scene of the Car Accident:

Call the paramedics if someone has been injured.

Exchange contact information with the other parties involved in the accident. This information should include the driver's name, address, phone number, driver's license number, insurance company name, policy number, license plate number and state issued.

Call the police if:
· The other driver is drunk or argumentative
· Someone has been injured.
· There is noticeable damage to your or another party's car.
· The driver of another vehicle will not give you contact or insurance information. (it is illegal to operate an automobile without insurance in most states) At the very least, jot down the driver's license plate number.

Collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. This is crucial information at the scene. If someone is unwilling to become involved at least try to take down their license plate.

Make a note of the location, the date and time of day, the weather and traffic conditions at the scene of the accident.

Do not admit fault or offer to settle payments for damages. Even if you do not see any damage to your or another party's car, do not assume there was not any.

Do not refuse help at the scene out of embarrassment. If professionals at the scene offer an ambulance or medical help, defer to their expertise and take the safer route by accepting their assistance. To refuse help that you need could lessen the amount you can recover later.

Following the Accident: insurance company report; car accident picture

Report the accident to your insurance company. And do not attempt to negotiate a bodily injury damage settlement on your own with the other drivers insurance company.

If you are hurt, contact a physician immediately. Many accidents initially appear minor, but actually result in serious physical injury. Even if you leave the accident feeling uninjured, you may discover symptoms that surface a few days or even months later. It is critical to have injuries assessed as soon as the symptoms arise. The sooner you have yourself checked by a doctor, the sooner you may begin receiving treatment and seeking expense recovery.

If you were injured due to the negligence of someone else, contact an attorney. You should also consult an attorney if you believe the other driver may file claims against you. Our Attorneys will consult with you free-of-charge to assess whether you have a case or whether you need legal representation.

Never give an oral or written statement to the other driver's insurance company. Let your attorney and insurance company take the facts from you.

Preserve the evidence. If your automobile accident resulted in property damage or personal injury, it is critical to document the evidence from the accident so that the facts will be properly represented to an insurance company or a jury. Take photographs of your car and the scene where the accident occurred, including skid marks, vantage points of signage, and related damage. Evidence can be lost or destroyed so the sooner this is done, the better for your case.

When filling out accident reports: It helps to revisit the scene so that your diagram and measurements are accurate. Following these simple guidelines, you will preserve the ability to have legal and financial recourse and prevent yourself from becoming a further victim. (back to top)

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