What To Do In An Auto Accident

Unfortunately, at some time in our lives most of us will experience an automobile accident, either as a driver, passenger or pedestrian.  Our firm has many years of experience in helping those who have been seriously injured recover fair and appropriate damages.  We want to help you understand what you should and should not do so that you can best protect your interests.

DO: call 911 if you can, unless you are sure someone else has
DO: stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive and permit you to leave
DO: get emergency or medical treatment for yourself and others and make sure you tell the EMT or doctor everything that is bothering you
DO: gather as much information about the accident as you can
DON'T: admit fault or that you did anything wrong even if you believe that might be true

If you are involved in any accident involving any complaint by anyone of injury, or there is substantial damage to property, stay at the scene until the police tell you that you can leave. When in doubt, stay.  Leaving the scene of an accident can be trouble.  You can lose your license and even face criminal charges.

If you are able to communicate with them and you do not have obvious injuries when the police or ambulance squad asks you if you want medical attention, don't be a "tough guy" or hero/heroine. Tell them all the things that are bothering you, even if you are just "shook up".  Medical experts tell us that many accident related injuries do not become clear until hours or even days after a collision; documenting your complaint is an important record and can help us as your lawyers later on.

Even if you think you may have been at fault, it is extremely important that you do not make any admissions to anyone at the scene.  While it is natural and important to ask about the medical condition of other drivers or persons involved, don't comment about the accident.  For example, don't say to anyone "I'm sorry" or words to that effect.  When you talk to the investigating police, only discuss the facts, just the facts.  Many factors may have been part of how and why the accident happened - road or weather conditions; vehicle direction, speed or even type; or other pieces of evidence of which you may not be aware.  Take care of yourself and your loved ones - leave the investigation to the police and us.  We have the experts and experience to gather all of the important evidence to understand and learn how the accident happened and why.

If you can, you should obtain information:

The other driver:  Name, address, driver's license number, insurance information, make, model, year and license plate of car
Witnesses: Names, addresses and telephone numbers
Pictures: If you cannot, try to get someone to take color print pictures or your and all other cars or vehicles involved in the accident.  The pictures should be of front, back and both sides, no matter where the damage is.

Whether you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian, automobile insurance will play an important role in your recovery.  Such factors as:

Whether or not you own an automobile
Whether that vehicle is insured
Whether you are covered under someone else's automobile policy
Whether you are subject to the "lawsuit threshold", meaning that you have without specific knowledge signed away your right to sue for certain types of injuries for slightly lower premiums
Whether you contributed to the cause of the accident

Our lawyers at Aronberg, Kouser & Paul, P.A. have vast know how and experience in helping seriously injured persons recover the maximum fair compensation- money damages- as a result of automobile accidents.  It can be a battle, and we fight for our clients, even if it means being ready and able to pick a Jury and try the case to a conclusion.  Our professional and support staff are ready at any time to meet with you at our offices, your home or if need be at hospital to get to work for you as soon as is possible.  The accident may have made you a victim; you may be afraid or unsure of the future after such an event.  Let us help you get what you deserve.
 

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