What to Do After a Car Accident

Auto accidents, such as truck collisions or car crashes, are scary. It’s important to remain calm and try not to panic. But what should you do after you have been involved in an accident?

Ten Things to Do After an Automobile Accident

Follow these steps immediately after an automobile accident.

Stop Immediately

Indiana law states that if you are driving a vehicle involved in an accident, you must stop at the scene of the accident.

Assist Injured Parties and Protect the Accident Scene

If anyone is injured, immediately make arrangements for a doctor or an ambulance to come to the scene of the accident. However, do not try to move the injured persons. This could result in more injuries.

Additionally, try to warn oncoming vehicles of the collision to avoid further accidents if possible.

Call a Police Officer

Call a police officer immediately so an official accident report can be filed. Unless you are injured, stay at the scene and cooperate with the officer.

Do Not Make Comments

Give no statements, oral or written, to anyone except the police officer investigating your accident. Keep your accident notes and information to yourself. Do not admit or sign anything, even if you think you are at fault.

Take Notes

Keep a diary of all significant details concerning the accident. This physical evidence, including the position of cars and length of skid marks, will become useful when the case is ready to move to trial or settlement talks.

Make a list of all damaged property in addition to your bodily injuries. Also, take photographs of all damages and injuries. Keep track of all doctor visits, prescriptions, contact with insurance companies and adjusters, how you feel from day to day, and your lack of capabilities since the accident.

Record Witnesses

Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses who may have important information about the accident.

Get a Medical Exam

After a crash, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible. Although you may not be bleeding or in pain right away, the accident can be the cause of serious and costly health problems at a later date.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Make a thorough accident report to your automobile insurance company.

Pay Nothing

Do not make any payments to the other party involved in the accident or promise to make any such payments.

Call an Attorney

Contact your lawyer as soon as possible to assist in handling problems associated with the accident. You should be cautious of any person who offers to adjust your case or tries to hurry you into a settlement.

Contact an Automobile Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a car crash, contact a South Bend car accident lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The attorneys at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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