What Should You Do After an Automobile Accident?

• Obtain the name, address and telephone number of the all drivers involved in the accident.
• Obtain each driver’s car insurance company’s name and telephone number, and the policy number, if available. 
• Report the accident immediately to the police and your insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.
• Cooperate with the police in preparing an accident report.
• Photograph the vehicles involved in the accident.
• See a physician without delay if you are experiencing pain.  Unfortunately, most times the pain will not subside without some treatment.
• Get legal advice before filling out insurance documents or giving recorded statements to any insurance company (even your own company), or meeting with any insurance company representative.
• Photograph your injuries.  This will support the magnitude of your injury as bruises and cuts may heal, but tissue beneath the skin may not completely heal.
• Gather all insurance policies in your household for evaluation by an attorney.  You may be entitled to insurance coverage for a separate insurance policy.
• Get legal advice before signing any check or document from an insurance company.

Too often, victims of auto accidents are unaware of what they need to do to protect themselves.  They place their trust in the insurance companies to guide them through the process.  However, most insurance companies do not have the best interest of their insureds in mind.  Speak to an attorney experienced in the area of personal injury and maximize your compensation while minimizing frustration, delay any confusion that almost all accident victims suffer.