What To Do After an Auto Accident
If you are involved in an auto accident, the Pfeifer Law Firm, a qualified Little Rock personal injury firm, is here to help. Here are some helpful tips if you are the victim of an accident.
It is a good idea to program a number in your cell phone as ‘home’ or ‘ICE’ (in case of emergency) so that someone will know who to contact if needed.
Immediately After an Accident
- Try to stay calm.
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
- Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights.
- If the car accident is minor, you may move the vehicles to a safe place, out of traffic.
- Always call the police. The police will prepare an Accident Report that can be requested later.
- Notify your insurance agent and report your claim.
Important Things to Remember When You’ve Been Involved in a Car Wreck
- If you know that someone witnessed the accident GET THEIR NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.
- Do not sign anything unless it’s for the police officer or your automobile insurance agent.
- Grab a pen and paper and take down immediate detailed notes about the accident. Be sure to include specific damage to all vehicles involved, how it happened, witness information, and take pictures if possible. If you don’t have a camera, use your cell phone’s camera.
- Give witness information to the police.
- Limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your attorney.
- When giving a written statement to the police officer, state the facts only.
- Do not leave the scene of an accident before the police and other drivers do, if possible.
- Even if you think an injury you suffer from the auto accident is minor, don’t refuse medical care at the accident scene. It is always best to go to the emergency room and follow up with your family doctor. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to seek additional medical care. It is very common for injuries to become worse in the days following a car accident. Always inform the investigating officer of all of your injuries at the scene, no matter how minor you may feel they are at the time.
Keep a File and Maintain Records
In the following days, you could be contacted by an insurance company, police officer, or someone else regarding the car accident. It is a good idea to document who calls you and the reason for their call. Include details such as the date, time, reason for the call, and a summary of the conversation. If you receive communication through the mail, retain the letter and envelope. It is important that you speak with an attorney before you speak to someone with an insurance company or a lawyer representing another party to the automobile accident.
Talk With an Attorney
If you sustained injuries in a car accident or if you encounter problems when dealing with the insurance company over property damage, call a qualified Little Rock car accident attorney. Many attorneys offer free consultations and require no retainer or payment from you unless you recover from the insurance company.
When you call the Pfeifer Law Firm, you will speak directly with an attorney. We offer free consultations. When you hire our firm, you will not be charged unless we are successful in recovering a settlement for you for your injuries. Call the Pfeifer Law Firm now at (501) 374-4440 for your free consultation.