What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Being in a car accident, can be a life altering event. Whether you are the victim or the one at fault, your actions immediately after the accident can have a dramatic effect on how the case is handled by the police and insurance companies.

1. Stay in place. Do not move the vehicles. Do not move the critically injured. Do not move accident debris. Your best bet is to stay put and don't contamify the accident scene. This will ensure that the police and ambulance personnel can do their job effectively.

2. Call police immediately. Tell them exactly where the accident is located, who is involved and what the immediate situation warrants. This will determine what other personnel need be dispatched either fire department or ambulance.

3. Gather information. Gather the other driver's information. Everything. name, address, phone number, cell phone number, car make, model, year, insurance company, insurance agent. Get the names and phone numbers of eye witnesses, you may need to them to testify in the event the case goes to court.

4. Document the damage. Immediately write down all the damages that occurred to your vehicle and the other one involved. If you have a camera handy or cell phone camera ready, take as many pictures as you can.

5. Document any injuries to yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved.

6. Report the accident to your insurance company. Whether you are the victim or at fault, it is necessary to report the accident to your insurance company.

7. Consult with a lawyer to know your rights and and if you have a case.