Do You Know What to do Following an Accident?

Getting into an accident is not a common event.  So, when it happens, people often panic and do not know what to do.  Below is a guideline of what you should do following an accident.
1. Stay calm.  Take a deep breath and collect yourself.  Be civil.  Do not argue with the other driver or talk about the cause of the accident.
2. Exchange pertinent information.  This includes names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license number, vehicle license number, and insurance information.  If the other driver refuses to provide you with this basic information, contact law enforcement.
3. If possible, take pictures of the other vehicle.  Use the camera in your cell phone (if you have one) to take pictures of the other car.
4. If injured, call law enforcement.  This step is not a necessary step.  Nevertheless, it can be helpful in proving your case unless you are the party at fault.
5. If injured, get checked out.  Depending on your injuries, you may need to visit the emergency room or urgent care.  Thereafter, you may need treatment with a medical doctor or chiropractor.  Remember that getting checked out is not the same as getting treated.  If you suffer soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash or back pain, you will need treatment.  Remember that medication will not heal your injuries and without treatment, your injuries will develop scar tissue.  Do not wait to start treatment – delaying your treatment will hurt yourself physically and hurt your case.
6. Never discuss the accident with the adverse insurance company.  Do not discuss the accident with the insurance company representing the other side without first contacting an attorney.  Never give a statement.  If you end up speaking with the other insurance company, only discuss your property damage.
7. Never sign authorization forms.  Insurance companies always pressure injured parties into signing authorizations, allowing them open access to “all” of the injured party’s records. Never sign such authorization forms.
8.  Call a personal injury attorney.  The best way to protect yourself is to contact an experienced injury attorney.  Remember that injury attorneys take cases on a contingency, meaning that the attorney gets paid a percentage of the settlement or judgment and if there is no settlement or judgment, then the attorney does not charge a fee.”
For more information, please call The Mason Law Firm at 661-476-5678 or email mason@mrscvlaw.com.