Hastings and Hastings

Ten Things to Do (or Not Do) After an Automobile Accident

1	Immediately call the police. Unless for your or others' safety do not move any vehicles prior to the arrival of the police.
2	Ask the other driver(s) for his/her license and insurance card. Write down all information about the other driver(s), including name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, name of insurance company and policy number.
3	Write down the license plate number, make, model and description of any vehicles involved in the accident.
4	Except as advised above, avoid talking with the driver and passengers in any other involved vehicle. Do not admit any fault or state that your insurance will pay for their damage or injuries. Avoid confrontation whenever possible.
5	Stay calm and courteous when the police arrive. When speaking with the police, follow these basic guidelines:
	•Tell the police in detail what happened. •Be truthful, but do not admit you were at fault. •Do not make guesses about time, speed, and distance. •Tell the officer if you suspect drug or alcohol use by the other driver, or if you notice anything else unusual, like the driver switching places with a passenger after the collision. •Do not say that you feel fine and are not hurt. Some injury symptoms do not surface for days. It is better, if it is the truth, to simply say that you are “shaken up” or not certain if you have any injuries. •If the officer gives you a ticket, do not argue or protest. You may sign the ticket to acknowledge receipt. •If you are not ticketed, ask the investigating police officer for his/her card, or anything else showing the officer’s name and law enforcement agency. Be sure to obtain an accident exchange card.
6	Look for witnesses and ask for their names, addresses, home and work numbers. Write down this information.
7	If you suspect that you may be injured, seek medical action immediately. Be sure to inform the doctor that you were involved in a motor vehicle accident at the time of your treatment. Since many serious injuries do not show up at the time of the accident, precautionary emergency- room treatment at a hospital is advisable.
8	Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the accident to open a claim for any available coverage you carry.
9	Do not do any of the below things until you consult with your lawyer:
	• Give a statement to any insurance company representative. • Sign any paper for anybody, even your own insurance agent (except for a citation, if the police officer requests). • Make any appearance or plea if you are ticketed for the accident.
10	Contact a lawyer of your choice immediately to protect your interests.