Auto / Car Accidents I Frequently Asked Questions

When the police get to the accident:

• Cooperate fully with the police when they get to the accident.  Stay at the scene of the accident until the police say that you can leave.

• When you speak to the police, only tell them the facts of the accident.  Don’t draw any conclusions.  Inform the police of any injuries and of any witnesses.

• Do not admit that the accident may have been your fault to the police or to any passengers, witnesses, or other drivers.  Responsibility for an accident is a matter of the laws of your state and it may not be clear right away.

Soon after the accident:

• Go to a doctor as soon as possible.  You may not realize the full extent of your injuries right away. If you don’t see a doctor, your treatment may be delayed and minor injuries could become serious.  Even a minor ache can be an indication of a serious problem.  If there is any chance that you may have been injured in the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible.  An insurance company could argue that not going to see a doctor right away meant that your injury didn’t result from the accident, but from some other event.  The longer you wait to see a doctor, the harder it will be to connect your injuries to the accident, and the lower your chances for compensation for your injuries.  Be sure to tell your doctor about any memory loss, confusion, disorientation, headaches, dizziness, blood or fluid in your ear, ringing in your ear or nausea.

• Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.  Collect all of your motor vehicle insurance policies for your lawyer to look at.  Inform your insurance company of the accident.  Talk to a lawyer before filling out any insurance forms, giving recorded statements to any insurance company, or meeting with any representative of any insurance company.  It is very important to get legal advice before giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.  Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before signing any checks or documents from any insurance company.

Later:

• Within a few days after the accident, write down all important information about the accident.  Include information such as license numbers, the make, model and year of all vehicles involved.  Also include details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, road conditions, traffic signals, and weather conditions.  You will be surprised how quickly you may forget these details.  If you haven’t spoken with a lawyer yet, contact a personal injury lawyer with the dedication, experience, and ability to help you maximize the amount of your compensation as well as to minimize the amount of frustration, delay, and confusion involved in your claim.

• Document all of your injuries and losses.  Include medical expenses, transportation costs related to your injuries, expected future medical treatment, lost earnings, future loss of wages, the effect your injury has on your life, and the effect that your injury has on your family.  Your lawyer will be able to help you identify all losses that may be connected to your accident.

DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at our firm web site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is recommended that you should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.