The moments after a car crash are stressful. You may be confused, injured and not sure what to do.
It is important to know what to do – and what not to do – in order to protect your rights. We have collected the most important do’s and don’ts of car accidents below.
Do: Get a police report
In most car accidents, you should always call the police. The police will create an accident report that can be useful later.
The accident report will document important information about the car crash, such as:
- Date, time and location of the accident;
- Names, addresses and insurance information of the drivers involved;
- Make, model and license plate number of the cars involved;
- Names and contact information of witnesses.
Don’t: Admit fault
Do not admit fault to the other driver, the police or your insurance company. Even if you think you may be at fault, do not say so. The car accident investigation will determine who was actually at fault.
Do: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles and injuries
Use your phone to take photos of the car accident scene, the damage to the vehicles and any injuries that you or your passengers have sustained. These photos can be used as evidence later.
Don’t: Leave the scene of the accident
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in most states. If you leave the scene of an accident before exchanging information with the other driver or before the police arrive, you could be charged with hit and run.
Don’t: Panic
Car accidents can be traumatic. You may be shaken up and not thinking clearly. Try to stay calm and focused. This will help you make better decisions.
Do: Call for an ambulance if you need one
If you are injured, get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is still a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some car accident injuries, such as whiplash, may not cause pain or symptoms until days or even weeks after the car crash.
Don’t: Leave without exchanging information
Make sure you get the following information from the other driver:
- Name, address, phone number and email address;
- Driver’s license number and insurance information;
- Make, model and license plate number of the car.
Do: Call your car insurance company
You should notify your car insurance company about the car accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will likely ask you for a copy of the police report and may assign an adjuster to your case.
Don’t: Forget your valuables
If your car is damaged and needs to be towed, make sure you remove all of your valuables from the car. This includes items such as your purse, wallet, cell phone, keys, sunglasses, etc.
Do: Speak with a personal injury attorney
If you or a passenger in your car was injured, you may want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you recover damages for your injuries, such as:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering.
With two of the 2022 list of Best Lawyers as well as a Top 50 and Top 100 lawyer in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury by Super Lawyers Magazine, the St. Louis car accident attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have extensive experience representing car accident victims.
We know what to do to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation – (314) 350-1900.
