What to Do After an Accident

After an Auto Accident: What Next?

Nearly every person who drives or rides in a vehicle is likely to be involved in an auto accident at some point in their life. Yet, few of us know what to do in the event of an auto accident.

At Scott W. Schiff & Associates, in Columbus, Ohio, our attorneys handle thousands of auto accident claims and win millions of dollars in compensation for auto accident victims every year. We'd like to help you understand important steps to take to protect your interests after an accident. The following includes information from the Consumer Protection Association of America.

Trust a Respected Name with a Winning Tradition
Call Toll Free 1 (866) 4-SCOTT-4
1 (866) 472-6884

1. Get medical attention immediately. Whether you need minor first aid or emergency room care for a serious injury, taking care of your health is your first priority. Even if you don't feel symptoms right away, it's always a good idea to be checked out by a doctor after an auto accident.

2. Stay safe. If the accident was minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to the side of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic. Turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares, or warning triangles if available.

3. Exchange Information. After the auto accident, exchange name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number, and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. Also write down the make, model, year, and color of each vehicle, the location of the accident and how it happened.

4. Don't admit to fault. Do not tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

5. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information.

6. File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement officers may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.

7. Contact Scott W. Schiff & Associates. An experienced auto accident lawyer can advise you and protect your rights. It costs you nothing to learn if you have an auto accident claim. If you do, you will pay no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.

8. Do Not Sign Anything from an Insurance Adjuster without first speaking to an auto accident attorney. The insurance company wants to pay you the least amount of compensation possible. They may pressure you to accept a fast, cheap settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries becomes apparent. The car accident attorneys of Scott W. Schiff & Associates work to see that you receive the full amount of financial compensation you deserve.

To learn more about the legal aspects of car accidents, please visit our motor vehicle accidents information center. and What to Do After an Accident page.