January 19, 2009
What to do if you are in an auto accident
Auto Accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved.
Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident as well by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have:
• A pen
• A card with relevant medical information for you and your family.
What to do after an auto accident:
1. Stay as calm as possible.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7. Don’t sign any document unless it is for the police.
8. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. 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 witness information, if possible, as well.
9. Be polite, but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
10. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene and the involved automobiles.
11. If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
12. Remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and your attorney.
13. Seek medical treatment at an emergency room or other medical facility as soon as possible after the accident. It is very important to document your injuries from the accident, even is all you have is aches and pains.
14. Do not talk to the insurance company or an insurance adjustor for the other driver. You may say something inadvertently which will hurt your claim.
15. Contact an attorney to discuss representing you as soon as possible.