What To Do When You Get in a Car Accident

A car accident is always unexpected and happens so fast. The chaos of the moment makes it easy to forget what to do when you find yourself in a car accident. Because 77% of us will be involved in a car accident in our lifetime, we all need to protect ourselves. This list of 10 things to do if involved in a car accident will help you remember what to do should you find yourself in this situation. One of the leading causes of an unsuccessful case is not having enough information. Feel free to print this out and keep it in your car.

It is important to note that if there are any injuries resulting from the car accident, make sure you cal 9-1-1. Your safety and the safety of others is most important. We hope this list helps you or someone you care about should they be involved in a car accident.

What do to When You Get in a Car Accident:

1. Get to a position of safety. If you are able to do so, immediately move to a position where you will be safe from any further accidents.  Assist anyone in your vehicle to do so as well. Evaluate the scene and decide if you are able to assist anyone else.
2. Call 911. Ask for assistance from law enforcement.  Request emergency medical attention if necessary
3. Evaluate your injuries. Check yourself and any occupants of your vehicle as well as other vehicles.  Take reasonable precautions such as sitting/lying down, applying pressure to any bleeding, etc. while you await emergency personnel.
4. Identify and talk to witnesses. If you are able to do so, identify any witnesses and get their contact information.  Listen to what they say but do not talk to them about your impressions of how the accident happened.  Leave those comments for the police.
5. Think before you talk. Reflect on what you are going to say before talking to the police and filing a car accident report.  Be truthful and as detailed as possible but if you don’t know or remember something, say so. Don’t make conclusions based on matters not actually seen or heard by you.
6. Take pictures with your phone. If possible, take pictures of all of the vehicles with your smartphone or camera before they are moved.  If your vehicle is a hazard to other vehicles, however, move it off the road if that can be done safely, then take pictures.
7. Exchange information. Exchange insurance information with other drivers but don’t talk to them about your impressions of how the accident happened.
8. Report the accident to your insurance company. As soon as possible, report the accident to your insurance company.
9. See a medical professional. Get medical attention promptly, even if you think your injuries are minor.  Often, injuries are not painful until hours after an accident. Also, you may have internal injuries you are not immediately aware of. Depending on your assessment of your injuries, seek an ambulance to a hospital, get a ride to an emergency room or urgent care or see your primary care doctor.
10. Protect your legal rights. Seek advice from an experienced and proven car accident attorney.  An attorney can be much more effective in assisting you if they get involved with your case early. By all means, talk to an attorney before talking to a representative of the other driver’s insurance company. They will only try to get information from you that they can later use against you.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident our California Car Accident Lawyer are available for free consultations.