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What to do In Case of an Auto Accident?

  1. Call 911. Do not leave the scene without contacting the police. If you leave the scene after only exchanging information with the other driver, you may never be able to prove how the accident occurred.

  2. When the police officer asks you what happened, tell him/her in a calm manner everything. Cooperate fully with the police officer. Do not argue, just state the facts. If you are nice to them, you will be surprised how friendly they may be to you.

  3. Obtain a police case number before leaving the scene. You may be given a short form report but do not be concerned if you are not given one. You can obtain the full report usually after 72 hours, from the police department investigating the accident.

  4. If you are hurt, request medical attention, even if you are shaken. You would be surprised how many people feel the effects of an accident within hours, days, weeks and even months. In an abundance of caution, you should be examined at the hospital, especially if you struck your head or other parts of your body on impact. Do not be afraid to be taken by ambulance to the hospital. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

  5. You have time to report the accident to your insurance company but you should do so as soon as possible. They will want to speak with you and perhaps later take a recorded statement as to how the accident occurred. Cooperate fully with your insurance company but you do have the right to have your attorney present when you give a recorded statement and this is recommended. If the other party's insurance company calls, you do not have an obligation to speak with them or give a recorded statement. Be friendly, take their name and telephone number and contact our office before discussing particulars about your accident with any insurance company.

  6. If you need to follow up with a physician, whether chiropractic or orthopedic, our office will be able to provide a referral to a physician to treat your injuries. This physician will bill your insurance company or wait to get paid at the conclusion of the case. Again, in most cases, you will incur no out of pocket expense.

  7. Contact our office as soon as possible. Remember, we only get paid if we are able to reach a monetary settlement with the defendant's insurance company, so legal representation will cost you nothing.