What to do When You Have Been Involved in a Car Crash
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Keep Calm- Although even the smallest car crash can be stressful, it is important that you keep your wits about you. Any car crash can have lasting consequence physically and financially and you will want to begin to immediately to gather the information that will help you quickly move past what has just happened.
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Be Safe- If it is a relatively minor car crash with no major injuries or property damage, move the cars out of oncoming traffic and to the side of the road. Leaving cars in the roadway or intersection cab place everyone at further risk of harm. Be sure that you and others are out of harms way.
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Get Help- Check on everyone to see if they are ok. If anyone complains of injury, call 911 and request medical help.
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Call the Police- It is important to report any car crash and request that the police investigate the cause of the crash. If the police are not able to respond to the car crash, file a "station report" at a local substation, documenting the car crash at you earliest available opportunity.
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Get Vehicle Information- Write down the make, model, and colors of the vehicles involved in the car crash, along with the license plate # of all vehicles involved.
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Get Other Drivers' Information- By law, where there has been a car crash resulting in injury or property damage to an occupied vehicle, the drivers of the vehicle involved are supposed to exchange their names, addresses, driver's license numbers, and registration numbers for their vehicles. Be sure to request this information from the other drivers involved.
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Ask for Witness Information- If there are any witnesses be sure to request their name, address, and phone number. Although someone might admit fault at the scene, they may later change their story and you will want to have witnesses.
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Take Photographs- Most insurance companies and advisory companies suggest carry9ing a disposable camera in your car in case of a car crash. If you have one, use it to photograph the scene, the cars, and the people involved.
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Ask the Officer for their Name and Report - You will need a copy if the police report. Be sure to get the officers information so you can track down the police report later.
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Seek Appropriate Medical Attention- If you were hurt get the help you need to get better as soon as possible. Delays in medical treatment or gaps in medical treatment could be used against you later as a way to say you weren't really hurt or hurt very bad.
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E-mail or call- Law office of Matthew Vance, P.C.- (505) 242-6267- I will be happy to discuss your situation with you, what comes next, and what your options are. Consultations are free.
