Be Calm
Remain calm and gather your thoughts. During the moments after an auto accident, it is easy to become frightened or upset. It is important that you try to control your emotions as much as possible, because you need to be in control of your situation and evaluate what steps you need to take in the next few minutes, and then the next few hours and days. Important steps are needed to be taken to make your experience in an auto accident less stressful, and more likely to have a better outcome than if you lose control of your emotions, or allow shock factors to take you over.
Be Safe
Get out of vehicle and get away from the vehicle to a place of safety that is well off the roadway. Do this as soon as possible and help other persons to a place of safety that other vehicles coming to, or near the scene of the accident do not cause another accident or hit anyone.
Call for Help
Dial 911 to contact police and get emergency assistance. Be sure to also request an ambulance or fire truck if they are needed! Many times spinal injuries show up or are fealt hours or days after the accident, therefore it is important to consider if anyone may have been injured without realizing it. Don't take chances in deciding yourself, make that call and let the paramedics decide.
Get License Info
Get license numbers of all vehicles involved and take clear notice of who was driving all vehicles involved, so you can identify the drivers if need be.
Be Nice
Be nice, and ask if other folks are hurt even if they appear to be okay. If someone does not immediately respond, they may be in shock. Be patient with people who seem angry over the accident. Let the police deal with them.
Help Police
Help the police and volunteers who stop to help. Remember the police officer's first duty is to prevent a follow up accident at the scene. Cooperate in clearing the roadway as soon as possible.
Get Driver And Witness Info
Ask the drivers and witnesses where they were going and what happened, if it is comfortable for you to do so.
Get names and phone numbers of witnesses who are trying to be helpfull. Police can miss in noting extra witnesses who can be very helpfull as they know what happened..
Do Not Argue
Do not argue about who is at fault. Let the police investigate that issue. However, do not be silent to the police officer if the other person is not telling the truth. Be calm and sure to read and understand any statement you sign for the police. Also, do not engage in long conversations with bystanders about how the accident occurred and your injuries.
Be Fair
Be honest and friendly but assert your need to be helped and treated fairly.
Get Medical Treatment Even if You Feel 'So-So'
When in doubt, seek medical attention even if you are not bleeding or in severe pain. If you feel any pain, discomfort or upset do not be afraid to say so. Seek medical attention immediately. Seek emergency medical attention as soon as pain or significant discomfort becomes apparent. Do not wait.
Tell Your Family Doctor
Always call your family doctor if you feel the effects of the accident more than 24 hours after the accident.
Get Photos
Take photographs at the scene if you have a camera with you.
After Leaving Scene
Clean out the valuables in your vehicle if it is to be towed.
Tell Your Own Insurance Agent
Notify your own motor vehicle insurance agent, even if you were in another person's vehicle. Your automobile insurance premiums can go up only if you are at fault in causing the accident. Remember that if you did not cause the accident, your premiums should not be increased.
Tell Your Employer
Notify your employer of your injury immediately and keep the employer informed from time to time about how your treatment is going and when you may return to work.
STOP! READ THIS! GET A LAWYER!
Warning: This information is not an offer of legal assistance. Do not rely on it to replace your use of good legal advice. Only a fool will rely on this information to handle their own claim without experienced legal counsel. Now enjoy the rest of the Long Answer (with Lawyer Secrets Exposed).
