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After an Accident: Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

Call 911.

Seek medical attention. See a doctor immediately. Although you may feel fine now or think your injuries aren’t very serious, symptoms such as the following can appear days after the accident:

*Pain

*Discomfort

*Dizziness

*Numbness

Getting medical attention quickly isn’t just the best thing for your health—it also strengthens your personal injury claim.

Call the police to the scene of the accident. Cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency personnel who respond to the scene.

Get the license plate numbers, drivers’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved in the crash.

Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all potential witnesses to the accident before they leave the scene.

Take photographs of the following, as applicable, as soon as possible:

*The scene of the accident, from all angles.

*The surrounding area.

*Your injuries, including taking pictures over the time it takes injuries to heal.

*Any property damage.

Keep track of all work missed because of the accident.

Keep track of all follow-up medical appointments, all medical treatment received, and how you felt physically and emotionally because of your injuries.

Keep receipts from any medications prescribed

Get a property damage valuation from your insurance company or from two independent shops

Contact your attorney.

DON’T:

Don’t move your vehicle unless necessary for safety or required by law.

Don’t leave the scene of an accident until the police tell you it’s okay to do so.

Don’t throw away any potential evidence in the case.

Don’t engage in discussions about who was at fault in the accident with anyone, and make sure you don’t apologize for anything.

Don’t sign any papers or agree to settlement terms without contacting your attorney and having him review the settlement offer.