What to do Immediately after a Crash

If you are involved in a collision, it is important to take the right steps. A crash can be traumatic, and is always unexpected.  Here are some tips on the best ways to protect your rights and preserve your ability to recover for property damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

  1. Check for injuries, yours and others. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Get out your insurance card and driver’s license and offer it to the other driver. Ask the other driver for insurance card and driver’s license.
  3. Make use of your cell phone to take a photo of the license plate number, driver’s license, and insurance card of the other driver(s) involved in the crash.
  4. Make use of your cell phone to take a photos of the scene. Take photos of the damage to each car and wide-angle shots of the place where the crash occurred. Be sure to document any signage in the area, including stop signs, red lights and yield signs.
  5. Make sure your car is drive-able and call for assistance if it is not. Contact the police and get a police report if anyone is injured.
  6. Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the crash.
  7. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your rights to recover damages. There is a limited amount of time to submit claims so it is important to act quickly.