What to do After an Automobile Collision?

1. Do not assume that you have not been injured

    

    

   As a person often will not realize that he or she has been injured until a day or so after an automobile collision, never conclude that you are not injured at the scene of a collision.

    

    

2. Do not assume that you were at fault

    

    

   Admitting fault without the proper knowledge of the law will haunt you later in the event you learn that what you did was reasonable under the circumstances.

    

    

3. Take photos as soon as possible

    

    

   A picture always speaks a thousand words. Photographs should be taken not only of the outside of the vehicle but of the undercarriage trunk and frame, if applicable.

    

    

4. Call the police

    

    

   Not only does a police officer preserve the evidence, but the issuance of the report and/or citations prevent unnecessary litigation and disputes over fault.

    

    

5. Notify your own insurance company.

    

    

   Failure to notify your own insurance company in a timely matter may prevent you from being covered if their person who caused the collision does not have adequate insurance.

    

    

6. Don’t avoid the doctor merely because you are afraid to incur bills

    

    

   Failure to seek medical care merely because you cannot afford it will create an unexplainable gap in your treatment. Some doctors will accept liens on the recovery in lieu of immediate payment.

    

    

7. Get your own estimate(s) for property damage

    

    

   Do not rely on what the insurance company says the damage is.

    

    

8. Get names address & phone number of all witnesses at the scene.

    

   Even if a citation is issued to the person who caus3ed the collision, unless proper information is obtained from bystanders, the negligent party can easily avoid liability by making it a swearing match at Court.

    

    

9. Consult an attorney to know your rights before giving information to the other side.

    

Virtually all attorneys offer free consultations. Make sure, however, that the attorney has adequate experience not only in settling cases but actually taking them to court.