What to Do After an Accident

Knowing what to do following a car accident can make a big difference not only in your health and wellbeing, but also in how much you will be able to recover for damages and injuries associated with the accident.

Based on information provided by the Consumer Protection Association of America and the extensive experience of our own auto accident attorneys, Scott W. Schiff & Associates recommends taking the following steps if you are injured in an automobile accident:

1. Seek medical attention. If someone has been seriously injured, call 911 right away. Make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible for non-critical injuries. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you should still visit your doctor. With some injuries, symptoms may not appear for a few days.

2. Clear the way. After injuries have been addressed, take the time to move the cars to a safe location, like the side of the road. Use any available cones, flares, and warning triangles. At a minimum, turn on each car's hazard lights.

3. Admit nothing. You might believe that the accident is your fault, but do not say this to other drivers, witnesses, or the police. You should not give a statement to an insurance adjuster or sign anything from an insurance company without first speaking to an auto accident attorney. Doing so could cost you all or part of the compensation you may be entitled to.

4. Record the facts. Exchange information with other drivers and automobile owners including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver license numbers, and license plate numbers. You should record vehicle information including make, model, year, and color of each car, the location of the accident, and details about how the accident happened. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles and the accident scene. If there are witnesses to the accident, ask them for their names and numbers.

5. Make it official. Filing an accident report can help expedite insurance claims. If the police do not come to the scene of an accident, you can still file a state vehicle accident report by visiting a local police station or downloading a form from the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

6. Contact Scott W. Schiff & Associates for a free initial consultation and case review. We can offer advice and expertise that can protect your rights and help you recover the maximum compensation for injuries and property damage. We represent you on a contingency basis, so you will not pay attorney costs or fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

7. Learn more about the legal aspects of car accidents at our auto and truck accident information center.