What To Do At The Accident Scene?

Click here to download The Glove Compartment
Quick Reference Guide.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to know what to do next. The Glove Compartment Quick Reference Guide has easy to follow steps and a place to log important information regarding the accident. Designed to fit conveniently in your glove compartment, the Quick Reference Guide will help guide you through the steps of what to do next if an accident occurs.

If you would like a hard copy of The Glove Compartment Quick Reference Guide, click here to request one. Please provide your mailing address with your request.

We offer free case evaluations on your car accident case in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Charlottesville and throughout Virginia. Please call us at 866-388-1307.

What To Do After An Accident:

1. Stop – If you are physically able and your vehicle is operable, you should stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible without obstructing traffic. Activate your emergency flashing lights if they are working.

2. Call the police (#911) - Call the state or local police to report the following: location of your vehicle, your name, address, driver’s license number and vehicle registration number. Cooperate and answer the officer’s questions regarding the facts of the accident truthfully. However, do not admit fault or discuss the accident and how it happened with anyone else.

3. What if I am injured? Tell a law enforcement officer immediately that you are injured and describe your injuries. If other passersby stop at the scene before the police arrive, tell them you are injured so they can call 911 or the rescue squad.

4. Get the following information from all parties involved: Name, address, and phone number of each driver; vehicle(s) license plate numbers; driver’s license number; automobile insurance company and the policy number; the make and model of all vehicles involved in the accident; company name and identifying information if a commercial vehicle is involved. (SEE BACK OF GUIDE)

5. Take photographs of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicle if possible.

6. Identify any witnesses: Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This could be key in identifying who is at fault in the accident.

7. Should I go to the hospital? If the rescue squad recommends taking you directly to a hospital Emergency Room after examination, you should go. If you do not go to the hospital from the accident scene, but believe you are injured, have someone drive you to the hospital Emergency Room or to your doctor’s office as soon after the accident as possible.

8. Call your insurance company to report the accident. Give a description of the accident but do not admit fault. We do not recommend giving a recorded statement without consulting an attorney.