You’ve been in a crash. Here are the 8 most important things to do. At the end of this video, I will tell you where to find this list at HaroldTheLawyer.com and print it out and keep it in your glove compartment.
Part 1
Number one
Before you check the damage to your car, check on your yourself and your passengers. You might be in shock, so be methodical. Breathe slowly and make sure there are no major injuries. It’s a pretty good bet that you will be sore tomorrow, but right now you want to make sure that no one is seriously hurt. And the reason for that is moving a seriously injured passenger, or even yourself, is not advised. Only if there is a hazard such as a fire, or danger from other cars is moving an injured person recommended. Call 911 and stay still.
Number Two
Never leave the scene of an accident scene before all parties, and if appropriate, the police have communicated with each other. Here at the offices of Harold The Lawyer.com we’ve seen the severe consequences of poor decision making at this crucial moment. This is very important, because if you leave the scene where someone has sustained injuries or there were fatalities, you could be facing serious criminal penalties. If there’s property damage, injuries, or fatalities, you will need to call the police. Obtain a police report, which is almost always filed when police respond to an accident, and obtain the name and badge numbers of those officers.
Never leave the scene of an accident scene before all parties, and if appropriate, the police have communicated with each other. We’ve seen many times the severe consequences of poor decision making at this crucial moment. This is very important, because if you leave the scene where someone has sustained injuries or there were fatalities, you could be facing serious criminal penalties. If there’s property damage, injuries, or fatalities, you will need to call the police. Obtain a police report, which is almost always filed when police respond to an accident, and obtain the name and badge numbers of those officers.
Number Three
Exchange Information. Get all of the basics. Names, numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information from everyone involved. If there are passengers, get their names, numbers, and addresses. While communicating with the other parties to the accident, be polite, but don’t acknowledge blame or even apologize. Why? Well, saying “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you, or the yellow light switched too fast,” you may be admitting fault. You might be very emotional, and another person might be injured, but remember to refrain from such admissions. And the truth is, Immediately after an accident, it’s not always clear who was at fault or more at fault. Therefore, try not to admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.
Number four
Look around for witnesses. Ask them what they observed. Get their names, numbers, or addresses, if possible. And here’s a good one. Ask locals if they’ve ever witnessed other accidents in the same place. It’s possible that there could be other factors at work than just the drivers involved, such as unsafe road conditions.
Stay tuned for numbers five thru 8 of what to do immediately following a crash!
