Practice Areas

• Auto Accident
• Business Litigation
• Criminal Defense
• Will Contest

What To Do If You Are In A Car Accident

Many of us have experienced the stress and anxiety that accompanies a car accident. Whether you were in a “fender bender”, or a serious car crash, you are probably familiar with the fear and worry that can accompany any car accident. In those difficult times, it can be very hard to keep calm and focused. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on what you should do if you are involved in a car accident. Circumstances will vary, and there’s no magic formula, but if you follow these guidelines, you will be in much better shape after your accident.

1. If you have had a car accident, STOP.

Whether the accident involves a pedestrian, another moving car, or even a parked car or someone else’s property, you must stop at the scene of the accident. If you drive away, you may be charged with hit and run, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. The penalty for hit and run can be severe, including a fine or even jail time.

2. Get help.

As soon as you can safely get to a telephone or safely use your cell phone, call 911. Explain the situation, and give the precise location of the accident to help can arrive quickly. If you think you or another injured person may need an ambulance, say so. Stay on the phone until the operator tells you it is ok to hang up.

3. Gather information.

If you are physically able, you should try to gather as much correct and complete information as you can at the scene of the accident. You and the other driver should show each other your driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Then, you should write down:

• The other driver’s name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver’s license number and expiration date, and insurance company.
• The other car’s make, year, model, license plate number and expiration date, and vehicle identification number.
• The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance companies of any of the other car’s legal and registered owners.
• The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance companies of any of the passengers in the other car.
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.
• The name of the law officer who comes to the scene of the accident. Ask the officer where you can obtain a copy of any accident report.
• You may even want to draw a simple diagram of the accident. If you are able, you should take pictures of the scene and other drivers. However, do not place yourself in a position of danger in order to do so.
• Determine a rough estimate of the damages.

4. Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the accident.

You may think you are in the wrong, and then learn that the other driver is much more to blame. Plus, anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer, or both. Do not agree to pay for damages or sign anything except for a traffic ticket. With that in mind, be sure to cooperate with the officer investigating the case. But, stick to the facts. If you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say: “I wasn’t speeding.”

5. Report the accident.

After calling the police, you should report the accident to your insurance company. Ask for any forms you need to fill out and to help you make any necessary reports.

6. Get a physical checkup after the accident.

A checkup is probably a good idea for you and your passengers if you have any health concerns. In fact, you could be injured and not know it right away, or you might think you are only a little banged up, but really be hurt a lot more than you think you are. Sometimes injuries take awhile to manifest, and other times people are just so full of adrenaline that they can’t feel the pain.

7. Contact a lawyer.

A competent lawyer will help you with legal advice and any assistance you may require in dealing with your insurance company. Let’s face it, sometimes insurance companies simply don’t offer you full value for you claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will make sure you get full value for your claim. Please give us a call, and we will do our best to help you.




This Report is not legal advice and we are not establishing an attorney-client relationship by providing this information. We are only attempting to give you information so you can make informed decisions. Every case is different and no outcome can be guaranteed. We are happy to consider any potential case and to visit with you about any potential claim. The best advice we can give you is to visit with a lawyer about your potential case.

We are very selective in the cases that we consider because we want to give our clients personal attention to the greatest extent possible. We decline many cases each year. We concentrate on working hard on the cases we accept and do not accept frivolous or unmerited cases.