What To Do After a Car Accident

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT DO... REMAIN CALM Accidents can be stressful, but try your best to remain levelheaded Staying calm can help you remember the rest of the steps after an accident CHECK FOR INJURIES Evaluate yourself and your passengers for any injuries Check with the occupants of the other vehicle before looking at property damage CALL THE AUTHORITIES Even if the accident seems minor, call the police to alert them You may need a police report for insurance purposes GET INFORMATION Talk to the other driver to get their information, including: • Name INSURANCE LICENSE • Phone number • Driver's license number • Insurance information DON'T... ADMIT FAULT Even if you believe the accident was your fault, do not apologize I'M SORRY Saying something as simple as "I'm sorry" can work against you later LEAVE THE SCENE It's against the law to leave the scene of an accident Make sure you talk to the police even if the accident doesn't seem serious FORGET DOCUMENTATION Write down details of the accident, and take photos of the scene You may have to recount the accident many times, so it's helpful to have notes FORGET TO CALL A LAWYER If you have medical bills as a result of the accident, hire a lawyer You'll also need a lawyer if the other driver threatens you with legal action Provided by: THE LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS F. ELLIS III, J.D., LLC wwW.THOMASFELLISLAW.COM Sources: www.statefarm.com/claims/resources/auto/what-to-do-after-auto-accident www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=ins&subject=how_file&story= what-to-do-in-an-accident images.findlaw.com/optimost/accident-injury-law/after-a-car-accident-3.html auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safetylaccidents-hazardous-conditions/ 5-things-after-car-accident.htm E: