Automobile Accidents

No matter how carefully you drive, you may not be able to avoid being involved in an automobile accident.  What follows the accident can be as traumatizing as the accident itself.  From dealing with the police, to gathering insurance information, to making a claim, and just coping with the shock of the accident itself can be frustrating and overwhelming.  Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time may help you avoid legal problems down the road.  Following are some steps to take if you are involved in an accident, regardless of fault: 

1.  Do not leave the scene of the accident. 
Even if you believe it is a minor traffic accident, your failure to stop may lead to criminal prosecution, even if the accident was not your fault.  You should stop your car as soon as possible without further endangering anyone else or obstructing traffic.  Unless you are taken away by ambulance, do not leave the scene until the police officer has completed his/.her investigation and made his/her report. 

2.  Call the Police
Police officers are trained to handle any situation that may arise after an automobile accident.  When the police officer arrives, briefly tell him/her basic facts.  Your emotions and the stress of the collision may deceive you, and even though you may not be physically injured, you may suffer from shock and excitement which makes it difficult for you to think clearly at the time.  Therefore do not admit fault or sign anything, even if you think you are wrong.  You may learn later that you are not in the wrong or that the other driver was equally responsible. 

If you are arrested, any statement may be used as an admission, so it is important that you contact your lawyer before making a statement.

3.  Assist the injured
If someone is injured dial 911 at once.  Be prepared to tell the operator your location and be as accurate as possible so that help is not delayed.   If someone is bleeding, stop it by applying pressure or a tourniquet.  You should not move an injured person.  Render first aid only if you are qualified.

4.  Take notes
Make your own notes immediately after the accident.  Get the other driver’s name, address, and tag number, and if possible get the name and number of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other cars in the accident.  Also, get the names and addresses of all passengers in all cars involved in the accident.  By all means get names and address of all eyewitnesses and if you can, get a statement from the witnesses as to what happened and have them, if they will, right it down at the scene.

If you or someone else has a camera at the scene, take pictures to preserve skid marks, the position of the cars and other physical evidence that will disappear after the accident is cleared. 

5.  Get medical attention
Serious injuries are not always immediately evident.  If your injuries do not require emergency attention, make an appoint to see your doctor immediately, and ask your passengers to do likewise.  Any delay between your accident and your medical treatment could prevent you from being properly reimbursed and/or compensated for your injuries and expenses. 

6.  Report the accident to your insurance company
Your insurance policy requires that you notify your insurance company as quickly as is practicable after you are involved in an automobile accident.  Failure to notify your insurance company may constitute grounds for the insurer to deny you claim.  Thus, it is essential that you report the accident immediately. 

If you or someone you know has been injured in an automobile or motorcycle accident, please contact our office to schedule and appointment.  You may submit an online inquiry form.