Make sure your vehicle is stopped, shift into park , and turn off the engine. Breathe. Check to make sure it’s safe to get out before opening the door.
Never leave the scene of an accident. If you leave, you may face serious criminal penalties for being a hit-and-run driver.
If you can, move your vehicle out of the way. If this isn’t possible, turn on your hazard lights.
Check on the other persons involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
Even in minor accidents, a police accident report can be valuable when dealing with insurance companies. Cooperate fully and be polite, but avoid admitting fault or blaming others while at the scene. Let the police objectively review the events and determine who was at fault for the accident.
Write down as much information as you can after the accident:
Grab your phone and take some pictures of the accident scene. The pictures may come in handy later in the case.
Write down anything said by the other driver, passengers, or eyewitnesses relating to the accident. This would include any apologies, accusations, statements about distractions, drinking, speed, or anything else about “why” or “how” the accident happened.
Print this information out and keep it stashed in your glove box. Our team at The Ye Law Firm hopes you never need it, but it will be handy if you do need it. Click Here
