Top 9 Things to Do After a Car Accident

TOP 9 Things to Do After a Car Accident AMBULANCE AMBULANCE 1 Get Medical Attention Call 911 if you suspect anyone is injured. Getting medical attention immediately is not only crucial to your health, but also crucial in proving marginal injury cases. So, even if you're not sure you're hurt, it's better to take extra care. 911 2 3 Call The Police 4 5 6 In injury crashes, you need to notify* the police in both SC and NC and most other states. In addition, the police officer and his report will provide unbiased evidence about the collision. 9 3 John Doe 1112 Somewkere lame Collect Information You'll need the contact information for the other 817-555-5555 driver(s), including their names, addresses, and phone numbers; their insurance information; and their driver's license numbers and tag numbers. Also helpful is the color, make, and model of the other vehicles. AN Inaurance 12839443 TX 768 2B Rod Sadan XL 4 YOUR FAULT HWY Don't Discuss Fault Do not discuss your fault or the other driver's fault or anything that could be taken to be partial admission of fault with anyone. Even if you think you may be at fault, the law may surprise you or the other driver may not be able to find the facts to prove it. In any case, if the other driver admits fault, make a note of precisely what he or she said as soon as you can. 5 Witnesses If anyone saw the accident, try to collect their contact information asap. Potential witnesses include pedestrians, other motorists, & passengers. 6 Pictures Pictures provide an especially reliable source of evidence. If you don't have a camera phone, try to keep a disposable camera in your glove box. A. Vehicles: When it's safe and possible to do so, take pictures or have someone take pictures of the vehicles before they are moved. Pictures of the vehicles at the scene will show the damage at the time and will help show what actually happened in the accident. 12/11/2012 B. Injuries: If you're injured, when you can, take pictures of your injuries. C. Seatbelt Bruises: Since the other driver will want to argue that you weren't wearing a seatbelt, take pictures of your seatbelt bruises ASAP 7. Write An Accident Narrative As soon as possible after the accident, note down all of the information that you found about the accident.Include a detailed diagram of the collision. Don't allow yourself to forget what happened. It takes time for claims to be resolved, and if you don't recall what happened, facts that might help your case might be lost. par i had a green light red light Sehavol dut 8 Call Your Insurance Company You must report the accident shortly after it happens or else your insurance company may be able to deny your claim. (OENIED) Protect Your Rights Handling an accident claim is complicated business. Both your and the other driver's insurance companies are interested in paying you as little as possible. By handling your claim yourself, you may end up not getting all that you are entitled to. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue your claim and fully protect your rights. *Although it is always a good idea to call police to the scene, SC law does not require drivers to call police at the scene. Instead of calling the police, it is possible to file Traffic Collision Report, Form FR-309 with the DMV. Sponsored by: Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP TOP 9 Things to Do After a Car Accident AMBULANCE AMBULANCE 1 Get Medical Attention Call 911 if you suspect anyone is injured. Getting medical attention immediately is not only crucial to your health, but also crucial in proving marginal injury cases. So, even if you're not sure you're hurt, it's better to take extra care. 911 2 3 Call The Police 4 5 6 In injury crashes, you need to notify* the police in both SC and NC and most other states. In addition, the police officer and his report will provide unbiased evidence about the collision. 9 3 John Doe 1112 Somewkere lame Collect Information You'll need the contact information for the other 817-555-5555 driver(s), including their names, addresses, and phone numbers; their insurance information; and their driver's license numbers and tag numbers. Also helpful is the color, make, and model of the other vehicles. AN Inaurance 12839443 TX 768 2B Rod Sadan XL 4 YOUR FAULT HWY Don't Discuss Fault Do not discuss your fault or the other driver's fault or anything that could be taken to be partial admission of fault with anyone. Even if you think you may be at fault, the law may surprise you or the other driver may not be able to find the facts to prove it. In any case, if the other driver admits fault, make a note of precisely what he or she said as soon as you can. 5 Witnesses If anyone saw the accident, try to collect their contact information asap. Potential witnesses include pedestrians, other motorists, & passengers. 6 Pictures Pictures provide an especially reliable source of evidence. If you don't have a camera phone, try to keep a disposable camera in your glove box. A. Vehicles: When it's safe and possible to do so, take pictures or have someone take pictures of the vehicles before they are moved. Pictures of the vehicles at the scene will show the damage at the time and will help show what actually happened in the accident. 12/11/2012 B. Injuries: If you're injured, when you can, take pictures of your injuries. C. Seatbelt Bruises: Since the other driver will want to argue that you weren't wearing a seatbelt, take pictures of your seatbelt bruises ASAP 7. Write An Accident Narrative As soon as possible after the accident, note down all of the information that you found about the accident.Include a detailed diagram of the collision. Don't allow yourself to forget what happened. It takes time for claims to be resolved, and if you don't recall what happened, facts that might help your case might be lost. par i had a green light red light Sehavol dut 8 Call Your Insurance Company You must report the accident shortly after it happens or else your insurance company may be able to deny your claim. (OENIED) Protect Your Rights Handling an accident claim is complicated business. Both your and the other driver's insurance companies are interested in paying you as little as possible. By handling your claim yourself, you may end up not getting all that you are entitled to. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue your claim and fully protect your rights. *Although it is always a good idea to call police to the scene, SC law does not require drivers to call police at the scene. Instead of calling the police, it is possible to file Traffic Collision Report, Form FR-309 with the DMV. Sponsored by: Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP