Ten Things to Do After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, there are ten things you (or someone with you) can do to protect yourself and your welfare. Here is a list of the top ten things you should do if you are in a car accident.

1. STOP The first thing to do after an accident? “Take a deep breath.” That deep breath can help you shift your focus from the trauma of what just happened to what you need to do next.

2. PRESERVE THE SCENE The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic. Prevent further accidents by keeping your and the other cars flashers on or setting up flares or cones.

3. EXCHANGE INFORMATION  If the police do not respond to the accident, you should obtain the name, address and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident. Both drivers, WITNESSES and passengers.

4. CALL THE POLICE  Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police.

5. CREATE AN ACCURATE RECORD  When the police arrive, make sure you tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened. Do not speculate, guess or misstate any of the facts.

6. TAKE PICTURES  If you happen to have a camera in your vehicle, or a cell phone equipped with a camera, you (OR SOMEONE) should take pictures of the vehicles. If you have visible injuries, you should photograph them as well.

7. REPORT THE ACCIDENT  Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police AND YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

8. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION Your first instinct may be to try to minimize the gravity of the situation; however, it’s important to understand that it’s possible to have sustained a personal injury—even if you feel fine at first.

9. KEEP A FILE  Keep all your accident-related documents and information together. This information should include a claim number, the claim’s adjuster who is handling the claim, names and phone numbers of all contacts, receipts for a rental car and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

10. PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS  Perhaps the most important thing you should do after an accident is to consult your attorney.