Car accidents are not pleasant. You might feel confused, disoriented, or even in pain immediately after an accident. You can take steps to help yourself and prepare for a claim on your car insurance or a lawsuit arising from an accident.
Step 1: Do Not Leave the Scene
You should not leave the accident scene until you have exchanged information with other victims. You must not leave the scene if a police officer is on the scene.
Step 2: Look for Injuries
Start by determining if anyone has been injured. If it is safe, you can check on any other passengers and drivers. Call 911 immediately if you find any injuries. You can also call 911 if you aren’t sure whether the call is necessary.
Step 3: Call the Police
A police officer will most likely be dispatched to the scene if you have called 911. If property damage exceeds a set amount, which is usually around $1,000 in some states, it’s best to call 911 if there are no injuries.
Step 4: Contact Information and Exchange Insurance
Identify all other drivers involved in the accident. Get their names, contact information, and details about your car insurance (company, policy number).
Step 5: Collect Evidence
You should also identify witnesses and gather evidence. Take note of details about the vehicles involved in this accident, such as:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- License plate number (even partial)
- General description (color, bumper stickers, and dents).
Step 6: Be Careful of What You Say
No matter how you feel about the accident or what you believe caused it, be careful what you say on the spot. Don’t admit to a fault to the other driver. Even if you believe that you are at fault, later facts could prove you wrong.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a Pinellas Park personal injury lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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