If you have been unfortunate enough to have experienced an auto accident, then you may be familiar with the protocol that you have to take. There are certain do’s and do not’s that may help ease your stress and help you to efficiently recover from an auto accident. Take a look below at the do’s and don’ts following an auto accident.
When you are involved in an accident, DO the following:
- Stay calm
- Notify police immediately, and cooperate with them at the scene. In a hit and run accident, it is particularly important to notify police immediately
- Make sure you tell the police if you believe you may have been injured
- Obtain all of the information about the date, time, exact location, road conditions, and vehicle damage, as well as the other driver’s name, address, phone, license plate number, and any insurance company or policy information
- Notify your insurance company about the accident, even if it was not your fault
- Take thorough photographs of your car if it has been damaged
- See your own doctor immediately if you believe you have been injured
- Keep your current insurance information in your car
- Seek legal advice on all of your rights
When you are involved in an accident, DON’T do the following:
- Don’t move the car (or cars) of the injured person until police and emergency personnel arrive unless it would be dangerous to leave the cars where they are
- Don’t admit fault to the other driver or the police
- Don’t allow anyone to leave the scene before the police arrive. If they do, make sure you obtain as much information as possible about the other driver and vehicle
- Don’t give a statement to the other person’s insurance company
- Don’t sign any releases or other legal documents, even with your own insurance company without first obtaining legal advice on your rights
The above information has been used with permission from our partners at Yaeger & Weiner, PLC.
For more information on what to do in the aftermath of an auto accident, seek the legal guidance of our attorneys at Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell, & Erickson.