What Should I Do, I Was In A Car Accident

What should I do, I was in a car accident?

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are many considerations and issues that come into play.  I've been representing clients in Connecticut with personal injuries from motor vehicle accidents for over 22 years.  Here are some issues from this personal injury attorney's point of view.

This is a partial list of considerations:

• Stay safe at the scene.
• Involve the police.  Make sure they are called.
• Make sure you receive information about the other vehicle.  You want the driver's name, the owner's name, their addresses and all of the insurance information.
• If you realize at the scene that you are injured, be sure to obtain medical care at the scene for your injuries.
• Be sure that you obtain names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.  If the police are present, be sure that the police take this information to include in the police report.
• As long as it is safe to do so, take photos of both vehicles and the accident scene.
• The next day, be sure that you, a family member or a friend take photos of the damage to your vehicle.  Include photos of the inside of your vehicle if there is any damage.
• Follow-up with medical care, whether it is the emergency room, an urgent care center or your primary care physician.  Some people know immediately that they have been injured, and others do not feel it until the next day.  Once you experience any pain, discomfort or other symptoms, do not put off medical attention.  Pursue medical care right away.
• You will need to deal with your insurance company regarding your property damage, and you may also deal with the other vehicle's insurance company for the property damage.  If they tell you that they want to take a recorded statement or record an interview of you, you should consider holding-off on this until after you speak with an attorney.  Let your attorney decide whether you will give a recorded statement.
• You should pursue additional medical care and attention for your injuries.  While it is often inconvenient, following-up with your medical care is the best way for you to feel better.
• Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.  Most experienced personal injury attorneys will provide you with a free initial consultation.  Remember that attorneys understand the system.  They can help you navigate through it and they can represent you to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.  It's generally best to have an attorney involved promptly in order to address any issues.  Bear in mind that an experienced personal injury attorney understands the process and the investigation needs.  Of course, in some instances, immediate action is required for a reliable investigation, and an experienced personal injury lawyer is in the best position to determine this and make it happen.