After a Car Accident: Helpful Tips

There are several important steps you should take in the time immediately following a car accident. Taking these steps can help ensure that you follow the law and also that you positively influence your ability to recover the full value of your  insurance claim for physical injuries, property damage and possibly more.

• Remain at the scene. By law, you are required to remain at the scene of any auto accident that you have been involved in, whether or not you were at fault in causing the accident. The only exception may be if you are rushed from the scene in an ambulance because you are seriously injured.
• Report the accident by calling 911. This is an important step because it will get the proper authorities involved, including ambulances at the scene if anyone is injured and law enforcement to direct traffic if the collision occurred on a busy street or roadway.
• Give medical aid. If someone is trapped in a vehicle or is in need of immediate assistance before the paramedics arrive, render aid as possible.
• Exchange driver's license, contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved.
• Gather information. If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses present and take pictures of the scene, your vehicle, your injuries, etc. This may prove valuable later on when determining the value of your claim and who was at fault in causing the collision.
• Seek medical care. Even if you feel that you are not seriously injured, it is important to see your doctor. Inform him or her that you were involved in a car accident and this will help the doctor determine whether you have suffered any injuries.
• Contact an attorney. Seeking legal counsel is a key step to take after an auto accident. An attorney can advise you on what to do and what not to do at this point and can help you with your insurance claim and taking the appropriate measures to seek complete financial compensation.