Things To Do Following A Car Accident

Remember, all car wrecks are traumatic events, even small ones. Right after a car accident you will be jittery, scared, upset, and angry, just to name a few emotions. You will likely be rattled and not be focused on your thinking, as you begin to process the situation.

Your actions at the accident scene can directly lead to a just resolution of your case. Stay calm and collected after an accident, unless you require immediate medical help due to injury.

Do These Things:
* Keep collected.
* See if anyone involved in the accident is hurt. Call 911 right away if this happened. Know the streets closest to where the accident happened.
* Even if no one is hurt, calling the police is still something you should do. Unless these is serious injury and/or a criminal offense involved, most cities won't send police automatically to an accident scene.
* Make certain to gather the following information:
~ The name, address and phone numbers of the driver and his or her passengers.
~ Class and Driver's License number.
~ Car/License Registration. (Make sure to record the owner's and driver's names, which may not be the same.)
~ Also get the vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate number. As well as any advertisements or a company's signs placed on vehicles.
~ Insurance. Notate the name of the insurance company, the policy number, agent name and phone number, and the effective dates of the policy.
~ Obtain any and all eye witnesses' names, addresses and telephone numbers.
~ Names of the street and roads.
~ The time of day and it's date.

Photographs should be taken. ALWAYS have a disposable camera (with flash) in your car. Take pictures of the people and vehicles involved, as well as the debris and signs indicating the location.

Note any obstructions that could have blocked the vision of the other driver, as well as damage to the other vehicle that couldn't have been caused by this collision.

Never:

* Do not get upset and angry. Losing your temper will not improve the situation and could lead to an unneeded confrontation. If the other person get hostile, then walk a distance from them and phone 911.
* Do not claim an injury you do not have. It is a criminal offense to commit insurance fraud.
* Do not argue with the police about which party is responsible. The more you disagree, the greater chance you will be found at fault.
* Do not ever leave the accident scene without getting all the information from the other party.

Statistically speaking, you will eventually find yourself in a car accident. These tips will help you get through the experience with fewer problems.

Barry Edzant is one of the most renowned California lemon law lawyers and understands how to successfully handle an auto accident. Barry has worked with many personal injury claims as a Santa Clarita personal injury attorney and understands the seriousness of an auto accident and the implications of the California Lemon Law.