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If I’m in Auto Accident – What should I do?

The decisions you make immediately after an auto accident are crucial to the safety and  protection of you and your passenger’s rights. It is important to consult with an attorney to guide you through the legal process that will ultimately follow the accident.

What to Do Immediately After the Accident

After you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, you should safely pull over to the side of the road. Keep in mind that some states consider it a crime to leave the scene of an accident.

If you have passengers check to see if they have been injured. If you notice anyone is injured contact emergency personnel to the scene. The rule of thumb is not to move an injured person by yourself. To ensure safety to the injured parties, turn on your hazard lights or set out flares.

A good rule is to call the police for any accident and they will advise if it is necessary for them to come to the scene.

Information exchange is essential while you wait for the authorities. Write down the key information such as the other driver’s license plate number, driver’s name, address, telephone and pertinent auto insurance information. Make sure to provide your information to the other driver as well.

If there are witnesses to the auto accident, it is important to obtain their contact information as well. Maintain records of details surrounding the accident. Examples include the speed limit on the road, the weather conditions, your speed at the time of the crash and any other circumstances regarding the auto accident. Of course this information will be pertinent to future litigation or insurance disputes.

It is important that you do not admit fault. This will be determined at a later date. Safety and proper accident procedures should be your only concern. Remember to not sign any documents offered to you by the other driver’s insurance company, i.e. waivers

What to do When the Police Arrive

Make sure to cooperate with the authorities that are in control of the accident scene. Without providing opinion or admitting fault, be forthcoming with the details surrounding the auto accident. Determining fault may be complex if not all details are known at the time of the accident. It is important that you seek legal counsel to assist with this process and to access responsibility.

You want to make sure to get the contact information of the officers at the scene. You will be able to obtain an incident number that will be used to access future records and to provide to the insurance company. Remember to wait for direction from the officer to leave the scene.

After the Accident

It is best to seek medical care after an auto accident. Quite often evidence of injury can appear after time has elapsed. Medical attention can prevent further injury and pain. The refusal of treatment could be used against you by the other insurance company as reasoning for further aggravation of your injuries.

Consult with an Attorney

When meeting with an auto accident attorney, be prepared with all details regarding the accident including all of your auto insurance information. Maintain a journal of all expenses associated with the accident, i.e. rental car, lost wages, medical bill and other costs. Remember it is important not to sign any documents or payment from an insurance company before consulting with an attorney. The auto accident attorneys of the Law Office of George Gallegos are here to help you through this trying time. Call today.