You Were Just in a Car Accident. Now What?

Updated May 29, 2019

You were just in a car accident. What should you do next?

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 the Injured and Protect the 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.

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

Contact the Police

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 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/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.

See a Doctor

Have a physician examine you 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.

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.

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.

Wilson Kehoe Winingham brings you this information with best regards for you and your family’s safety.

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