Car Accidents: Key Steps To Take After A Crash

More than 40,000 deaths occur annually because of motor vehicle crashes and are the leading cause of death among drivers under 34 years old. With the increased number of vehicles as well as the increased number of distracted drivers and driver’s operating with fatigue, your chances of being involved in an accident are also on the rise.

If you are involved in an automobile accident, there are important steps to take to ensure you are protected. Most importantly, never leave the scene and do not admit responsibility. An article in The Balance indicates that drivers should let insurance company representatives do the talking if the driver expects the insurance company to take care of the claim.

Follow these additional steps for the best possible potential outcome after your accident.

Call Police

Call the police, whether a serious or minor crash. Contacting the police provides you with a legal accident report. If you and the parties leave the scene without calling police, the report is likely not as accurate as a police report taken at the scene. Write down the responding officer’s name, badge number, and contact information.

Limit Conversations at the Scene

Many injuries are not immediately apparent. Do not state that you have no injuries. Limit conversations with the other party.

Collect Information

Exchange information with other parties involved in the crash, including names, telephone numbers, addresses and insurance information. If the driver refuses to provide his or her driver’s license number, try to take a picture of the driver. The writer of a NerdWallet article explains that if you at least take the picture, the driver cannot later claim he or she was not involved.

Write Down the Facts

Write down your version of what happened as soon as possible. Include the date and time of the accident, address or intersection, direction that you and the other vehicle were traveling and how the accident occurred. Note weather and road conditions.

Document Information About the Other Vehicles

Write down the make, model, and year of other vehicles involved in the crash. Write down the license plate number and vehicle registration number.

Take Pictures

Take pictures of your vehicle and other cars at the scene, documenting positioning of vehicles and visible damage.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with all your information and documentation.

Contact Attorney John Leighton

Mr. Leighton has extensive experience representing clients involved in motor vehicle accidents, with a long history of winning outstanding verdicts and settlements for motor vehicle accident victims. Contact Attorney John Leighton when you need an accident lawyer. It’s important to speak with us soon after your accident, since the longer you wait, the harder it is to gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim. Mr. Leighton is past Chairman of the American Trial Lawyers Motor Vehicle Section and has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Florida in car and truck crash cases.