What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident

It is important to know what to do if you have been in an automobile accident. Making the right choices and acting quickly can often mean the difference in whether you will be compensated and/or the amount of the financial award.

First, if you are in a car accident, be sure to move to a safe area. If you cannot do so, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Second, turn off the car and get out. Check on the passengers in your vehicle as well as those of any other cars that were involved. Above all else, the safety and health of the individuals must be paramount.

Third, call the police. They will secure the location, gather any evidence and generally ensure that the matter is professionally handled.

Fourth, it is very important that you gather as much information as you can. This includes obtaining:

• the name and license of the other driver (as well as ant passengers)
• the car’s license plate number
• all relevant insurance information
• the makes and models of the cars involved
• the contact information of any witnesses
• the location of the accident
• the names and badge numbers of the police responding to the event

If you can, try to document the scene (i.e., the location, adjacent signage and traffic lights, damage to the car(s), etc.)

Finally, you will want to file an insurance claim.

If a representative from the other driver’s insurance company contacts you for more information, refrain from answering any questions as your responses could be used against you. That is one reason why it is so important to contact an attorney with a keen understanding of automobile accidents as soon as possible.

If you would like to discuss matters pertaining to an automobile accident, contact us for a free consultation at 609-561-5005 or submit the form on the right hand side.