Accident Procedures

1. Stop immediately
   Stay calm and do what you can within reason to avoid blocking traffic. Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car were involved, no matter how slight the collision. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible without endangering any other person and without obstructing traffic.

2. Check to see if anyone is injured
   Take care of any person that is injured, expecially yourself, including obtaining or rendering medical attention as soon as possible. Contact 911 or any other ambulance service in order to receive medical treatment.

3. Call the police
   An accident should be reported to the proper authorities. The report may not only be helpful later if you determine you are injured or there is damage to your car, but it may be helpful later if the other person tries to avoid responsibility for the accident. Even if the accident is minor, you should notify the police, have them come to the scene and ask them to create a police accident or incident report.

4. Don't sign
   If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, or later calls you by telephone, don't give any statements and don't sign anything.

5. Gather info
   If reasonably possible, exchange name, address, car registration and insurance company information only with the other driver(s), and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. Write down all the information. Also, write down or make a mental note of what witnesses or the other driver say, like, "That red car was flying," or "I'm sorry, I didn't see the stop sign."

6. Visit your doctor
   Even if you are not sure whether or not you are injured or anyone else in your vehicle is injured in the accident, it is best to be examined by a doctor at the earliest possible time or to go to the nearest emergency room. If you are examined by a doctor, make sure you are specific in explaining to the physician how the accident happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.

7. Inform your insurance company
   Make sure that you call your insurance company immediately to report the accident. Failing to report the accident immediately could in some instances result in the insurance company not covering you for the accident. You should contact the company immediately and if you are injured make sure you ask the company to start paying your medical bills and open up a file to not only pay for the property damage, but all of your medical bills. Advise them that you intend to retain a lawyer to represent you and protect your legal rights. If the insurer asks you to give a recorded statement, speak with a lawyer first….

8. Call the Villari law firm
   Before signing any statements or giving any recorded statements, consult our law firm immediately. At the Villari law firm, our lawyers have helped thousands of clients protect their legal rights and get them the money they deserve for their injuries and associated losses.

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