What to do after a car accident - Attorney Ross B. Rothenberg Esq.

 
The first thing you want to do is check for any injuries. If anyone is injured immediately call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator you need urgent medical assistance. Also as best you can give the operator detailed information as to your location. Tell him or her the nearest cross streets and if you are on a highway or country road describe the landmarks or signs. Call the police. In addition to ambulance personnel it is important that the police are contacted as well, regardless of any injuries. Do not leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive. You will also want to get the names and badge numbers of any police officers who respond to the scene. Always complete a report with the police on the scene. Eventually you will be able to obtain a copy of the report or at least get the report number. If anyone involved seems to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol tell that to the police when you call for help. Also if you happen to notice the driver of the other vehicle was using his cell phone when the crash happened you will want to tell that to the responding officers as well. You want to obtain as much information as possible. Your insurance company will need the full names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone involved including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and any witnesses. Get information about all the vehicles involved such as license plate numbers, the make and model of vehicles. You'll want to get the names and phone numbers of as many witnesses as possible. Also, be sure to find out the insurance status of all vehicles and persons involved. If any drivers were not the registered owners, you'll want to get the registered owners name. address and phone numbers. You'll also want to take pictures. Almost everyone has a smart phone with a camera today. Take as many photos as possible of the accident site, the vehicles and people involved and anything else that might have a bearing on how and why the incident occurred. Pictures taken as soon as possible after a car accident will be the most valuable. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles. The license plates, the other vehicle's insurance information and any registration and any other evidence such as street signs, lights, skid marks on the road and the positions of the vehicles involved. You'll want to also contact a lawyer before you contact your insurance company, contact a personal injury attorney. However, do not delay in contacting your insurance carrier to report the incident once you have consulted with an attorney. Most insurance companies have a notice requirements so you must notify them of the accident in a timely matter. Do not speak to a representative from your insurance company until after you have talked to an attorney. Never talk to a representative of the other vehicle's insurance company. Do not give any statement to your insurance company as to what happened and how the incident took place without first speaking to an attorney. Obviously if you've been seriously injured you probably will be taken directly to a hospital emergency room. However, if your injuries are not readily apparent do not assume that you don't have an injury. Many injuries from vehicle crashes like whiplash or a possible head injury or an internal injury do not present themselves right away. Failure to get medical care might have serious consequences if you have latent injuries that only show up 24 to 36 hours later. Do not neglect symptoms that are unfamiliar or pain that appears hours later. Now try to remember these important tips. Most importantly drive safely.