What should I do if I am in an automobile accident?
Stop Your Car.
Move your car to a safe location if possible. If it is not possible to move your car, make sure that you and your passengers, if any, are in a safe location. Remember that sometimes the interior of your car may be the safest location available to you.
Call the Police.
If you or your passengers have been injured, request medical attention immediately. Request that you be taken to the nearest emergency room for evaluation. If you begin to feel the symptoms of an injury some time after the accident, or your symptoms worsen or do not go away, seek medical attention immediately.
Make and File a Police Report.
If the police do not come to the accident scene, then you must go to the station. It is important that you do not delay. The failure to file a police report may impact both your case and your available insurance coverage.
Exchange Identification and Insurance Information With the Other Driver.
If you believe that the other driver may attempt to leave the scene, write down his license plate number.
Take photos of the vehicles if possible, and record the names, addresses, and phone numbers, of witnesses to the accident.
Notify Your Own Insurance Company Within 24 Hours.
Always notify your own insurance company that you have been in an accident within 24 hours. Failure to do so may allow your company to avoid coverage. You may end up needing some of the coverage you have purchased.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement.
Do not speak to any representative of the other driver’s insurance company before speaking to your own attorney. The insurance adjusters are highly trained and skilled individuals who know all the tricks to keep from paying you fair and just compensation for your injuries. Their job is to get to you first, before you’ve had the opportunity to discuss your rights with an attorney. Their goal is to save the insurance company money by convincing you to take a very small, quick settlement. Do not let this happen to you!
Do Contact Your Lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important that you get prompt legal advice. Time is of the essence. We strongly encourage you to contact us immediately to discuss your options. In the event that your injury prevents you from coming to us, we at Miller & Miller, will come to you at your home or hospital, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case and advise you of your rights. The insurance companies will work tirelessly to minimize the amount of money that you are entitled to as compensation for your injuries. It is important that you have a law firm that will work just as hard to ensure that your rights and interests are represented.
