What should I do if I am in an auto accident?

Stay calm. It is difficult to think clearly and act rationally and responsibly when you are all worked up. Take a deep breath and relax. Do not leave the scene.
Make sure everyone involved is OK. The health and well-being of your passengers and the occupants of any other vehicles that were involved is the most important thing to address. If emergency medical attention is needed, call for help right away.
Protect the scene and assure that no one else is hurt. If required, set flares as a warning to oncoming motorists and move vehicles off the highway if necessary to insure that no none else is hurt.
Exchange information with other people involved in the accident. Do not assess blame. Do not accept blame. Just provide your name, address, phone number, vehicle information and insurance information. Obtain the name, address, phone number, registration, license, and insurance information from the other drivers. Be sure to get the information for both the driver and the owner of the other vehicle.
Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Assess the extent of physical damage to the other vehicles. Write down the make, model, and year of the other vehicles and make notes about the physical damages.
Draw a diagram showing the scene of the accident. Check for street names, traffic signs and signals, and any landmarks.
Contact the authorities. Call the police and be cooperative when they arrive to take a report.
Contact your insurance agent and report the accident.
Be careful who you talk to and what you say. Often, you will receive phone calls from insurance adjusters asking you to make a statement. What you say and how you say it will be very important. Consider talking to a lawyer before talking to any insurance adjusters.

Related Practice Areas

Auto Accidents

Motorcycle Injury