Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident

January 17, 2013 (Press-News.org) Essential steps to take after a car accident

Motor vehicle accidents are extremely scary and it is can be difficult to remember what to do in the minutes following a crash. Nonetheless, there are numerous crucial steps you should to take immediately after a car accident occurs.

It can be useful to keep a list of information about what to do after a car accident in an accessible location, such as a glove compartment, just in case you are ever involved in a crash. That way, in the event that an accident occurs, you can use the list to remember what to do.

Steps to take after a car accident

The following steps should be taken after an accident:
-Make sure no one in injured. Ensuring that everyone is okay and that injured people receive medical treatment should be your first concern after an accident. Check all passengers for injuries and immediately seek any necessary medical attention. Do not move anyone who is unconscious or mentions back or neck pain.

-Remain at the scene. It is always important to remain at the accident scene and try to stay calm. In the initial panic it may be tempting to flee. However, leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries or fatalities results in a hit-and-run charge, which can come with severe criminal penalties.

-Get to a safe place. If possible, move your vehicles off the road and to a safe place. If this is impossible without causing additional damage, it is fine to leave the vehicles where they are and wait for a tow truck. It is a good idea to remain inside the vehicle until help arrives in order to avoid being struck by a passing car that is not aware of the accident.

-Call the police immediately. Make sure a police report is filed and record the names and badge numbers of all arriving officers.

-Gather information. After all passengers are checked for injury, gather the following information from all other drivers: name, address and phone number; driver's license number and license plate number. Additionally, collect basic insurance information such as the insurance carrier and policy number. Record the make and model of other involved vehicles. Collect general information such as names and phone numbers from passengers as well.

-Document any damage. Take pictures of any damage at the scene as well as the accident scene itself and other involved parties. Having accurate photos helps determine future compensation. If there are available photos of your vehicle prior to the accident, a comparison can show the exact amount of accident damage.

-Never apologize. It is important to not apologize for anything. An apology may be used in the future to prove fault.

-Document any medical treatment received. Keep records of all medical professionals who provide treatment. This helps itemize information that is later given to an attorney, insurance carrier and the court.

Contact an attorney before the insurance company

It is important to inform your insurance company when you are involved in a car accident so that you can file a claim for damages. However, it is often a good idea to speak to an attorney first, and then speak to your insurance representative. The reason for this is that your insurance company is not always on your side. You may have claims against your insurance company for issues regarding an uninsured or underinsured driver or the extent of your coverage.

If you have been in a car accident, speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can report your accident to your insurance carrier for you.

Article provided by The Law Office of Rosenstock and Azran
Visit us at http://www.accidentlawyersinla.com/