If you’ve been involved in a car accident, here are some steps you should take immediately following the accident:

  • Stop Your Car. It is important to remove your car from the flow of traffic and to a safe area if it is at all possible. If it is not possible, remain in your car with your seatbelt buckled until emergency response teams arrive.
  • Check for Injuries. Check yourself and your passengers for any obvious signs of injury. Determine the extent and seriousness of any noticeable injuries so you can report that information to emergency response teams.
  • Call 911. Call 911 and tell them the location of the accident, the extent and seriousness of any injuries, and answer any questions they may have. Auto Accident
  • Exchange Information with the Other Driver. At a minimum, exchange the following information with the other driver(s): driver’s license, full name, address, date of birth, phone number, insurance carrier, insurance policy number and license plate number.
  • Record Contact Information of any Witnesses. If anyone was a witness to your accident, be sure to get their full name, address and phone number so they can be contacted in the future if necessary.
  • File a Police Report. When filing a police report, it is important not to admit blame. Simply state the facts from your perspective as accurately and calmly as you can.
  • Take Pictures. Immediately after the accident, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene. Be sure to take pictures from a variety of angles and distances so that the damages are clearly documented and the scene of the accident can accurately be recreated if need be. Remember to take pictures of anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as potholes, poor visibility or poor signage.
  • See a Doctor. Even if you do not feel injured after an accident, it is important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not manifest for weeks after an accident. Seeing a doctor can provide the necessary paper trail to link any injuries directly to your accident. This is important if you need to seek monetary compensation from the person responsible for your accident in the future.
  • Report the Incident to your Insurance Company. Your insurance company may deny your claim if you do not report your accident within a certain time frame. Make sure you contact your insurance company and tell them about your accident—but do not admit blame. While it is okay for you to talk to your own insurance company, do not, under any circumstances, talk to the other party’s insurance company. If you are being contacted by the other party’s insurance company, contact a lawyer, like those at Martinez, Hart & Thompson, P.C. or the Gaddy Jaramillo Law Firm.
  • Keep a Journal. It is important to keep track of how injuries sustained in an accident have impacted your life. Keep a daily journal to track your experience; this may be invaluable if legal action is necessary in the future.
  • Talk to a Lawyer. If you have sustained serious injuries as a result of a car accident, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.