Experts estimate that one in every eleven drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year.[1] There are over six million reported car crashes in the United States each year, and many other minor accidents that go unreported.[2] Yet most people do not know what to do if they are involved in a motor vehicle collision.<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of a car crash, there is often chaos and confusion.\u00a0 Without planning, it can be difficult to think of what do to.\u00a0\u00a0 Knowing in advance the right steps to protect your interests is critically important.\u00a0 Here are ten steps to take if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident:<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Call 911<\/strong>.\u00a0 The operator will ask if anyone is injured, so the vital first step is to check on anyone who might be injured.\u00a0 Notifying the police is required by law in most states before you can leave the scene if anyone is injured.\u00a0 Even if it’s clear that no one is hurt, it is still a good idea to involve the authorities.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep Safety in Mind Before Authorities Arrive<\/strong>.\u00a0 If there are no injuries, try to avoid any.\u00a0 Move all cars to the side of the road or off the road wherever possible.\u00a0 Many accidents occur at the scene of earlier crashes, and moving out of the intersection or travel lanes helps minimize that risk.\u00a0 Turn on your hazard lights and set out cones or flares.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Exchange Information<\/strong>.\u00a0 Always write down the name, address, phone number, drivers license number, license plate number, insurance company, and insurance policy number of all the other drivers involved in the accident.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Do Not Admit Fault<\/strong>.\u00a0 Do not admit fault, either to the other driver or the police.\u00a0 The issue of fault is complex and often a legal question.\u00a0 However, always cooperate with the police officer at the scene.\u00a0 In the immediate\u00a0 aftermath of the crash, you may blame yourself. But you may in fact be blameless, because you may not realize what the other driver did to cause the collision.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get Contact Information for Witnesses<\/strong>.\u00a0 Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information.\u00a0 Write down the police officer’s name and badge number to help you acquire a copy of the accident report later.<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Take Pictures<\/strong>.\u00a0 Many cell phones today have cameras, so use them to take pictures of the accident scene before the vehicles are moved.\u00a0 A picture is worth a thousand words, and can be important evidence for a legal claim.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seek Medical Attention<\/strong>.\u00a0 Even if the rescue squad does not transport you to the hospital, if you are hurt it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately.\u00a0 Keep in mind that the “adrenalin rush” of the excitement of a crash can chemically mask pain immediately afterwards, so you may want to be “checked out” anyway at the emergency room.<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Take Notes<\/strong>.\u00a0 If you are able, draw a diagram of the accident scene and write out an explanation of how the crash occurred.\u00a0 Even if you cannot do this at the scene, at least do this as soon as you can while your memory is fresh.\u00a0 Your ntoes can serve as vital memory aids later on, as the resolution of any insurance or legal claim can take months or even years.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Call Your Insurance Agent to Report the Accident<\/strong>.\u00a0 Most insurance policies require the insured to report all accidents within a reasonable time.\u00a0 Give a brief description of what happened, but do not give a recorded statement.<\/p>\n 10. Call an Attorney <\/strong>to protect your legal rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n ***Click here to request or download an accident guide to keep in your glove compartment box<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n About the Author: <\/strong> Scott Fitzgerald is a law clerk with Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen. This article is brought to you by the Charlottesville car crash attorneys<\/a> of the personal injury law firm. If you have been involved in a car crash, call an experienced car crash attorney in our Charlottesville, Virginia<\/a> office or any of our eight Virginia personal injury law office locations<\/a>.<\/p>\n [1] Estimate from the National Safety Council for 2010; see “See What to Do When You are Involved in a Car Crash” <\/em>at http:\/\/www.nsc.org\/news_resources\/Resources\/Documents\/What_to_Do_When_You_Are_Involved_In_a_Car_Crash2.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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