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What to do if you're involved in an accident:
- The first thing to do if involved in an accident is stop the car. Leaving the scene of an accident, even if you do not feel it is your fault, is illegal and called a “hit and run”. You are required by law to see if there are any vehicular damages or injuries to drivers and passengers.
- Next, check for injuries. Do not move injured persons, but instead seek out medical attention immediately. Call an ambulance, the police, highway patrol, or fire department. If you do not have a phone, ask someone else. Often, good Samaritans will stop and see if everything is ok following an accident. Call boxes are usually available on major highways, and collisions occurring in residential or business areas will have access to personal or convenience phones. Remember, 911 is a free call from pay phones. When you report the accident, try to inform medical personnel of how may people are injured and to what extent. They will then send the appropriate amount of emergency personnel to respond to the scene.
- Notifying oncoming traffic to proceed by the accident with caution may help prevent further injuries. Turn on hazard lights, set out flares, or raise your hood to bring attention to your vehicles.
- Exchange personal information with the other driver or drivers, including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number(s)
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance provider
- Policy number
- Insurance agent’s name and contact number
- It is beneficial to obtain statements and information from and witnesses of the incident. Get a business card from the officer or officers on the scene, so you can later obtain a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Keep a notepad and pen in your car to take notes at the scene. Observe weather conditions, environment, lighting, speed limits, what other cars were doing, how the incident occurred, what you noticed, time of day, and any other possibly pertinent information.
- Even if you feel you were at fault, do not say so. Leave that decision to an experienced auto accident lawyer; multiple drivers may be at fault.
- Once the police arrive, cooperate fully with their requests and questions. Remain at the accident scene until they allow you to depart. Do not draw conclusions or give opinions, but merely tell the officer the facts of the incident. Do not admit fault upon yourself or other drivers. Responsibility is a legal matter, and is not always a simple judgment.
- Afterwards, take photos of the damage to your car and any injuries you may have. Send copies of your automobile insurance policies to your lawyer, including your notes from the scene, if applicable. Do not meet with an insurance representative or fill out insurance documents until after you have spoken with your attorney. Refrain from giving a statement, or signing a check for the other drivers’ insurance company until speaking with your lawyer.
- Be sure to review your insurance policy. The entire process will be easier if you are aware of what your insurance covers. Know if your policy covers the cost of towing or getting a rental car before swiping your credit card. In many companies, you can add coverage for a rental car for only a few dollars a month.
- Consult your doctor or physician as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be fully visible (bruises, head trauma, etc) until a period of time following the accident. See a doctor immediately to prevent a delay in treatment and potential aggravation to injuries sustained. Opposing insurance companies may try to argue that injuries were obtained from other, unrelated events if you do not seek a doctor immediately. Include memory loss, headaches, dizziness, ringing in your ears, nausea, disorientation, or confusion in your report to your doctor.
- Be sure to document all losses, including transportation costs related to injuries or lack of vehicle (if damage is that severe), medical bills, rehabilitation treatments, future medical treatment, lost wages on account of the collision, estimated loss of future earning, and effect upon personal and home life.
- File an accident report with the police station or DMV: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.pdf. Having this on file will speed the claims process with the insurance companies.
If you have additional questions or if we can help out in any way, don't hesitate to call us today!
Estey & Bomberger
California Personal Injury Attorneys
Serious Injuries. Serious Results.
1-800-672-1036
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