The police are coming, people are exchanging information and dealing with injuries, but you may not know what you really need to do. Dealing with an accident or an insurance claim can be a messy business.
Steps to Protect Yourself in an Accident:
STOP! Do not leave the accident scene. Move your car only if necessary for safety until the authorities arrive.
CALL AN AMBULANCE, if there are injuries.
CALL THE POLICE and wait for them. Do not agree with the other party not to call the police. The law requires police to investigate all accidents.
HAVE YOUR LICENSE AND INSURANCE INFORMATION ready to give to the police officer.
DO NOT SIGN ANY DOCUMENT allowing the ambulance, hospital or any medical provider to bill yours – or the other driver’s – auto insurance company. Insist that the ambulance, hospital and any medical providers involved bill your health insurance carrier directly.
DO NOT ADMIT FAULT! You may think you were at fault, but you might not be. DO NOT admit fault to the officer, witnesses or other parties.
DO NOT SPEAK TO THE OTHER DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY or anyone other than the police about the accident.
GATHER INFORMATION – don’t trust your memory! - Measure skid marks by stepping off distances - Get names, addresses and numbers of witnesses - Take pictures if possible
CALL YOUR ATTORNEY or Brehm Bell – after you have called 911 and the situation is under control - if you, your family member or anyone has injuries. Important evidence or information may be lost, and your rights compromised without your attorney’s advice.