What You Can Do After an Accident

• Call the local or state police and wait at the scene of the accident for them
• Request an ambulance if someone needs it
• If your vehicle is in the way of traffic and you can move it, do so, but, if you do, tell the investigating officer that your vehicle was moved and thoroughly describe the scene of the accident to that officer
• Clearly report your accident and injuries to the police officer on the scene
• Exchange names, telephone numbers and addresses with all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
• Exchange insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident
• Get names, telephone numbers and addresses from all witnesses to the accident
• Get the license plate number and the year, make and model of every vehicle involved in the accident
• If you are able, take photos of the site of the accident, your injuries, the vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that may be relevant
• Do not admit or imply that you were at fault to anyone if you were not
• Do not discuss the accident with people at the scene, other than the police
• Get immediate medical attention at an emergency room or from a medical professional if you think you may have been injured in the accident
• Promptly notify your insurance company of your accident and injuries
• Write down the details of the accident as soon as you can
• Document and date everything, including all contacts with the insurance companies
• Get an estimate for the repair of your damaged vehicle with a reputable auto repair shop
• Get a copy of your accident report from the police
• Keep all bills, receipts, estimates, reports, letters and other documents pertaining to your accident and injuries
• You are not required to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company, but, if you do, be careful of what you say and how you say it
• You are required to cooperate with and you may have to give a statement to your own insurance company, but also be careful of what you say and how you say it
• Continue your medical care and treatment until your injuries resolve or you are discharged by your doctor
• Do not sign anything, particularly a Release, without the assistance of an attorney
• Contact an attorney to protect your legal rights

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We can visit you in the hospital or at your home if injuries prevent you from traveling to our office. We handle most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we accept your case, you will not pay an attorney’s fee unless you recover compensation for your injuries.