Top 10 Things To Do When You Are Involved In An Automobile Accident

October 2, 2014

Before getting started in what you should do when involved in a car accident, let’s go through a quick check list of the basic items that you should keep in your car, glove box, or on your person:

  • Insurance card
  • Driver’s license
  • Vehicle registration
  • Emergency contact information
  • Notepad
  • Pencil or pen

Below are 10 steps to follow if you are ever involved in a car accident:

1.  Assess                           

  • Remain seated in your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
  • Check on your physical condition.
  • Check on the physical condition of your passengers.
  • Do not move your vehicle if possible.
  • NEVER drive away from the scene.

2.  Call 911

  • Notify the police as soon as possible.

3.  Gather information  ( unless severely injured )

  • Obtain as much information as possible from all individuals
  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Names and addresses of any witnesses
  • Vehicle information, tag, make and model, year
  • Insurance information

4.  Take pictures

  • Take photographs of the vehicles involved.
  • Photograph the scene.
  • Take pictures of the surroundings.

5.  Document

  • Write down your version of how the crash occurred.

6.  When the police arrive

  • Be cooperative with the officer, but DO NOT admit fault.
  • DO NOT apologize.
  • DO NOT accept responsibility.

7.  Medical Care

  • When EMS arrives tell them ALL of your injuries and all your areas of pain.
  • DO NOT refuse medical care.
  • Follow up medical care and treatment with the appropriate medical specialists.

8.  Call YOUR insurance company

  • Report the accident to your insurance company.
  • Tell your insurance company about your injuries.
  • Also, tell your insurance company about your passengers’ injuries.
  • DO NOT give a recorded statement.

9.  The OTHER parties insurance company

  • DO NOT speak with the other party’s insurance company.
  • NEVER EVER give the other insurance company a statement, recorded or non-recorded.

10. Call an Attorney

  • Call an attorney who concentrates on personal injury cases.
  • Protect your rights.

You might want to keep this article in your glove compartment for quick reference, should you ever be involved in an auto accident.

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