5 Things You Should Do After an Auto Accident

An auto accident is a traumatic experience, especially if you or your passengers are injured. While it is natural to feel unnerved or disoriented after an auto accident, the following steps will help reduce stress and prevent costly mistakes during those critical post-accident moments.

1)  Call for medical help if anyone is injured

Check on everyone involved in the auto accident, including drivers, passengers and pedestrians. If anyone appears to be injured, call 911 to request emergency medical help immediately. 

2)  Move your car to a safe, but nearby location

Stop your vehicle and move safely out of the line of traffic if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and use flares or similar emergency items if needed for safety. Remain near the scene of the crash. If your car isn’t drivable, call for roadside assistance.

3)  Call the police

Do this while all of the vehicles involved are still on the scene, and make sure to get a police report.

4)  Gather information and document the scene

Obtain as much information as you can, including:

• Names of the driver(s) and passengers in the other vehicle(s)
• License plate numbers of all vehicles involved
• Insurance information of the other driver(s), including company name, policy number and phone number
• Makes and models of all vehicles involved
• The exact location of the accident
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Names and badge numbers of responding police officers

Use your phone to take photos of the scene; including pictures of your car and any other cars involved in the crash, license plates, street view, and signage. This will save you from having to rely on memory to recall the location and circumstances of the crash. It may also help in determining or disproving fault.

5)  Call a reputable accident injury attorney

“You may not be thinking clearly right after an auto accident,” said Mark Bernstein of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. “That’s why it is important to call us immediately before you sign any papers. Our experienced auto accident injury lawyers will help you through the aftermath of the crash and do what it takes to win the compensation you deserve.”

What NOT To Do After an Auto Accident

• Do not leave the scene of the accident before police arrive
• Do not discuss who was at fault with anyone
• Do not disclose the details of your insurance coverage
• Do not talk about your injuries or those of your passengers. If the other driver asks if you are hurt, say you cannot determine your medical situation until you consult with your doctor. Remember that many injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue injuries, do not show up immediately after an accident, so it is important to follow up with a physician for any and all symptoms.
• Do not sign any insurance papers from your own insurance company or that of the other driver.

Auto accident injury law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.

Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sources:

• https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident
• https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-if-my-accident-injuries-dont-show-up-right-away.html