- If the collision was minor and there are no serious injuries, move your car to a safe location, out of the way of traffic. Otherwise, traffic cones or flares should be placed in appropriate locations if possible.
- Apply any necessary first aid to someone who is injured. Call for a paramedic, and/or an ambulance, if necessary. Consult with your own physician without delay regarding your
injuries.
- Don’t argue with the other driver, or admit any fault. Simply exchange driver’s license numbers, addresses, insurance company information, including policy number, license plate of the other vehicle and the make and model of the other vehicle.
- Call the police so they can make a police report. The police will typically go to the scene of an accident when there are injuries. As the police will make an on-scene determination of
liability after their investigation, the report can be very helpful when negotiating with the insurance company.
- If you have a camera, take pictures of the damaged portion of the vehicle that hit you, as well as the damaged portion of your own car. If possible, obtain such information prior to moving the vehicles. While taking photos of the vehicles, include in the picture any relevant traffic lights, debris in the road, etc. Such information can be very helpful in deducing liability.
- Obtain the names and contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- If the police arrive, only discuss facts – make no admissions of liability. The police officer will provide you with his name, badge number and instructions on how to obtain a police
report.
- Do not speak to anyone about the accident other than your immediate family and your attorney. Be especially careful about speaking with the insurance company of the driver that
hit your car. They will typically make a recording of the conversation which could be used against you in any future legal proceeding related to the case.
- Never sign any document without consulting with an attorney as you could be waiving important legal rights.
- Call a Personal Injury attorney, such as Jason J. Schwartz, so that they can obtain all of the information to report it to your insurance company and get the case started.
- If the collision was minor and there are no serious injuries, move your car to a safe location, out of the way of traffic. Otherwise, traffic cones or flares should be placed in appropriate locations if possible.
- Apply any necessary first aid to someone who is injured. Call for a paramedic, and/or an ambulance, if necessary. Consult with your own physician without delay regarding your
injuries.
- Don’t argue with the other driver, or admit any fault. Simply exchange driver’s license numbers, addresses, insurance company information, including policy number, license plate of the other vehicle and the make and model of the other vehicle.
- Call the police so they can make a police report. The police will typically go to the scene of an accident when there are injuries. As the police will make an on-scene determination of
liability after their investigation, the report can be very helpful when negotiating with the insurance company.
- If you have a camera, take pictures of the damaged portion of the vehicle that hit you, as well as the damaged portion of your own car. If possible, obtain such information prior to moving the vehicles. While taking photos of the vehicles, include in the picture any relevant traffic lights, debris in the road, etc. Such information can be very helpful in deducing liability.
- Obtain the names and contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- If the police arrive, only discuss facts – make no admissions of liability. The police officer will provide you with his name, badge number and instructions on how to obtain a police
report.
- Do not speak to anyone about the accident other than your immediate family and your attorney. Be especially careful about speaking with the insurance company of the driver that
hit your car. They will typically make a recording of the conversation which could be used against you in any future legal proceeding related to the case.
- Never sign any document without consulting with an attorney as you could be waiving important legal rights.
- Call a Personal Injury attorney, such as Jason J. Schwartz, so that they can obtain all of the information to report it to your insurance company and get the case started.
