(Aaron Sansing)
1. STOP: If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe place. Failure to stop may result in criminal prosecution.
2. CALL 911: If any party is injured, call 911 and ask for the police and an ambulance if necessary.
3. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS: Take pictures of the accident scene, the damages to the vehicles involved, and of any injuries you might have.
4. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT: Do not make any statements admitting fault.
5. OBTAIN DRIVER INFORMATION: Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including name, address, phone number, driver's license, vehicle year, make, model, color, and license plate number, and insurance information, including company, policy number, effective dates of policy, and telephone number.
6. OBTAIN WITNESS INFORMATION: Get the name, address, and telephone number from each witness.
7. TELL THE OFFICER OF YOUR INJURIES: If you are injured, tell the police officer. The first record of your injuries will be contained in the investigating officer's report. If you fail to mention to the police officer that you were injured, it may create suspicion in the mind of the insurance adjuster who will ultimately evaluate your claim that you were not hurt.
8. OBTAIN MEDICAL TREATMENT: If you are injured, obtain medical treatment. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or to your personal physician. An injury, if untreated, may become substantially worse. If you fail to seek treatment or delay in obtaining medical attention, an insurance adjuster may suspect that you are not genuinely injured and discount your claim.
9. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY: Report your loss to your insurance company but do not give a statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster. The odds are that a claims adjuster for the other driver will be assigned to your claim before you have been able to retain an attorney. This may occur within one or two days of the accident. The adjuster will request permission to take a recorded or written statement. If you are considering hiring an attorney, you should not give a statement to an insurance adjuster for the other driver. Statements made can seriously prejudice your case without you even knowing it. Instead, tell the adjuster that you have decided to hire an attorney, and instruct him or her to refer all further questions to your attorney.
10. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY: If you have an injury, do not try to settle your own claim. An experienced personal injury attorney will generally be able to obtain substantially more compensation for you than you will be offered in settlement by an insurance adjuster, even after payment of an attorney's fee. If you choose to accept a settlement for your injury without seeking legal representation, you may receive a settlement that does not fairly compensate you for permanent injuries and damages. If you're uncertain about whether to settle, talk to an attorney who handles personal injury cases.
