What to Do If You Have Been in an Auto Accident

Auto accidents are unexpected and even the most careful drivers may be involved. The sad truth is that most of us will be involved in an auto accident at some point in our lives. Even if you are not injured, there are certain things that you should and should not do.

Stay At the Scene

If you are in an accident involving bodily injury or substantial damage to property, do not leave the accident scene until the police tell you to do so.  If you are unsure whether the damage or injury is “substantial”, stay there and let the police decide.  Leaving the scene of an accident can result in driver’s license sanctions and even criminal charges.

If you are on the roadway, turn your flashers on, or use flares to warn approaching traffic. 

Do not Admit Fault

Even if you think you are at fault, do not admit liability.  There may be factors you are not aware of that played a role in the accident which could determine the other driver was more at fault than you. Therefore, avoid discussing who is at fault in the accident.

Obtain Relevant Information

In any accident, you should obtain the following information:

• The other driver: Name, address, driver’s license number, insurance information and license plate number.
• Witnesses: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• Police officers:  Ask the police officer(s) who investigate the traffic scene to provide you with a business card and an “incident number”. 
• The accident:  If possible take notes about how the accident occurred, such as the direction of travel of the vehicles involved and what the cars were doing at the time of the collision.
• The location:  You may wish to take notes about and/or pictures where the accident happened; speed limits, the road conditions, the weather, traffic control devices and the lighting.