What to do in case of a motor vehicle accident
Knowing what to do if an accident happens is important. Acting wisely can protect your legal rights and also save lives. Listed below are some suggestions to follow if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident:
1) Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe and legal.
2) Don't flee the scene. Some people panic after an accident and make the mistake of leaving the scene. That is a crime and also could potentially contribute to further injury or death to another person involved in the accident.
3) Get out of the line on-coming traffic.
4) If you are able, warn on-coming traffic with flares or cones. This can prevent other accidents and collisions as well as safeguard you and the others that were in an accident.
5) If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 for police and paramedic assistance.
6) Exchange information with the other people involved in the accident. The information should include names, addresses, phone numbers, model and make of vehicles involved, driver's license numbers, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Be sure to verify the date on the insurance card.
8) Also, if there are witnesses, it is of utmost importance to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Also, write down anything any witness says to you. Note the time and location where the statement is made. Note down the description of the witness including how the person is dressed.
9) Don't talk about the accident with the other parties or witnesses or then to gather information. The exception is, of course, you are obligated by law to exchange name, addresses, registration, and insurance information. And, you have an obligation to cooperate with law enforcement. The other exception is to declare any injury you sustained and request for paramedic assistance.
10) People are often dazed after an accident and have a tendency to say "I'm sorry" even if it wasn't their fault. It is a very common occurrence. Be forewarned - don't tell anyone the accident was your fault.
11) If you are hurt, see a health care provider. It is not uncommon for people to suffer injuries that are not immediately realized. Sometimes symptoms don't manifest until hours or even days after the accident. Take care of yourself by having yourself examined by a qualified health care provider.
12) The DMV has forms to report accidents. Go to the DMV or its website, download the forms and mail them in. Keep a copy for your own records.
13) Assuming you have insurance, you should promptly notify your own vehicle insurance company. All insurance contracts require prompt notice of an accident and also require the insured to cooperate with the insurance company.
14) Don't offer to pay anything to anyone involved in the accident. Sometimes people want to try to keep insurance companies out of it for fear their premiums may go up because they were involved in an accident. Avoid this temptation. Failure to notify your insurance could jeopardize coverage. Furthermore, sometimes people think they are okay or that they are not going to pursue a claim and later things change. Don't try short-cuts. Do it right from the beginning.
15) If possible, take pictures of the people involved in the accident, witnesses, the vehicles, the roadway, and any other things that are relevant to the accident, such as roadway skids, debris, and signs. If in doubt about whether to take a picture of a part of the scene or something else that you think is relevant, just get the picture. You can always set aside unneeded pictures, but you may regret not taking a picture of something that later turns out to be important.
16) It is wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the accident and learn your rights and liabilities. Generally, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and will offer a free consultation.
