What to Do After an Accident
The first minutes and hours after a car accident are crucial. Actions you take on the day of the accident can affect your right to receive financial compensation for any injuries or damages.
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At Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & Zanobini, our attorneys have more than 100 years of experience in helping accident victims. We'd like to share the following information because, while we hope you will never be involved in a serious accident, it is important to be prepared.
What to Do After an Accident
1. Check for injuries and move to safety. If you, a passenger or someone in the other vehicle is injured, call 911 immediately. If possible, move vehicles to the shoulder.
2. Get the facts — just the facts. Exchange insurance information, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, and makes and models of the cars. If there are witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers, as well. Do not admit any wrongdoing or discuss the extent of your injuries.
3. Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay immediately after an accident, be aware that accident-related symptoms can develop after days, weeks or months later.
4. Take photos. If you have a camera or camera phone, take photos of the cars involved and any damage. Photograph the scene of the accident, showing road signs — or lack of them or road hazards. Take photos of any injuries you received in the accident.
5. Make a report. Call police and file a report of the accident. In some cities, the police will not come to the scene of a minor accident, but will give you a case number over the phone. Note this number and the name of the officer you spoke with.
6. Contact your insurance company. Alert your insurance agent to the accident.
7. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney can advise you on how to protect your rights and interests and advise you of your legal options.
8. Do not speak to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present. The insurance claims adjuster will try to get you to admit that you are fine or to accept a small settlement for your injuries.
9. Do not sign anything without first showing it to a personal injury lawyer. You may be signing away your right to pursue financial compensation.
10. Retain possession of your vehicle. Do not sell it or send it to a junk yard. If an auto defect caused your accident, your vehicle will need to be examined.
From offices in San Francisco, the attorneys of Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & Zanobini represent clients throughout California. If you have been involved in any type of auto accident, please contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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