The first moments after a car accident are critical but can also be a whirlwind if you do not know what to do. You may have been injured or are in shock, but it is essential to remain calm and move away from traffic to a safe area off the side of the road.
Next, you should check if you, the other driver, or any passengers are injured. Injuries like whiplash and lower back pain are common after car accidents. Symptoms of these injuries may not be immediately apparent, so you should be aware of how your body feels in the days following the accident and take time to rest. After ensuring everyone is okay, you should call the police and request an ambulance if anyone is injured.
Once the police arrive, you should complete a police report and write down the report number and name of the responding officer for your records. Do not state who caused the accident or admit fault, as this can hurt your case.
While waiting for the police, you should gather as much information as possible at the scene. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information, including their name, phone number, and address. You must collect the following information from the other driver, including:
- Driver’s name
- License number
- Address
- Phone number
- Make, model, and year of the car
- The license plate number of the vehicle
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Insurance company’s name
- Insurance company’s phone number
- Policy number
You should also take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident and the accident scene. If you do not have a camera, we recommend asking a witness to take photos of the accident. It is essential to collect as much evidence as possible.
After the accident, you should seek medical attention if needed. Once you return home, you will begin dealing with the insurance company. The insurance company may send an adjuster to estimate the damage or have you get two or more estimates for the repairs. If the accident and your injuries were severe, we recommend contacting an Eason & Tambornini car accident attorney before talking with the insurance company. Our Sacramento auto accident attorneys have worked on thousands of car accident cases. They can help you deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
