Auto Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the first thing I should do after being involved in an automobile accident?

A: Call 911 or local authorities immediately

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Q: What if I’m seriously injured?

A: Take care of yourself first and mind your injuries. If you can’t move comfortably, don’t. If you’re stuck, pinned or otherwise trapped, don’t try to free yourself, as you may wind up hurting yourself worse. Allow rescue personnel to make the call once they’re on scene.

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Q: If I’m able, what type of information should I try to get from the other driver after an automobile accident?

A: Get as much applicable information from the driver and any occupants as possible, including:

Personal Information - Date of birth, full name, address, telephone number
Insurance - Policy name and number, expiration date
Vehicle Info - Make, model, year, registered owner, license plate number and state, license plate expiration date
Driver License - number, expiration date, state

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Q: What if there were witnesses to the accident?

A: Identify and get names of any witnesses to the auto accident who may have remained on scene. But stay put until after authorities have arrived and tell you it’s okay to leave or get medical treatment. Do not go chasing after a witness who may leave the scene before authorities arrive.

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Q: What if I can’t remember what happened?

A: Unless your injuries prevent it, write down all you can remember about the accident as quickly as possible. For this reason, it’s good to keep a pencil and paper in your glove compartment or otherwise handy. If you have a camera, take as many pictures as possible of the accident scene and the vehicles involved from different angles.

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Q: What types of details should I be looking for and writing down?

A: Jot down notes about the accident scene, including weather conditions, the speed limit, how fast you were driving, if there was ongoing road construction, if the traffic patterns had recently changed and any other helpful information regarding objects, people and activity around the accident site.

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Q: How should I interact with authorities at the scene of an automobile accident?

A: First of all, BE HONEST. When law enforcement officers arrive on scene, get their names and badge numbers. Get statements from them about what they observed.

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Q: Why do I need a lawyer after I’ve been involved in an automobile accident?

A: If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, you need a lawyer:

1. to protect your rights
2. to make sure you get the medical treatment you may need even if you cannot pay for it up-front
3. to help you file the related property damage claim
4. to negotiate with insurance carriers to make sure you get the amount of compensation that you will need to pick up the pieces and get your life back on track as quickly as possible.