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Auto Accident Facts
More than 6,000,000 accidents were reported last year. Over 3,150,000 people were injured in these accidents and approximately 40,000 people lost their lives. Most Americans do not have an adequate amount of health, auto, and disability insurance to provide for them if they are seriously injured in an auto accident.

Most don't even have a life insurance policy that could pay for funeral expenses if the unthinkable happened. Considering the prevalence of auto accidents, it is important that automobile drivers educate themselves concerning auto accidents and the legal options that exist should an accident occur.

If I have an auto accident, what should I do at the accident scene?

1. Don't go anywhere. Stay Put.
2. Send a witness to call the police. Do not "handle it yourselves".
3. Render first aid to other victims if you are qualified to do so. Do not move any person unless not doing so directly endangers their life.
4. Do not move vehicles unless they are obstructing further traffic. If you have to move them, move them as little as possible. Warn approaching drivers.
5. If you are injured, stay in your vehicle.
6. Be very careful what you say. Do not falsely admit responsibility.
7. Seek medical treatment at the scene if you are hurt in any way even if it seems insignificant.
8. Gather and exchange information. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers, witnesses, and the driver. Get the license number and insurance company name and policy number from the driver and owner. Also, make notes concerning the time of day, weather and road conditions, lighting, location of vehicles, crossroads, stop signs, and traffic signals, and location and length of any skid marks.
9. If your car must be towed, get the name and license number of the driver, and the name, address, phone number, and registration number of the towing company. Also, find out how much the towing will cost.

What can I expect the police officer to do at the accident scene?

Depending upon the seriousness of the accident, either a police officer or the regional Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the accident. All parties will be interviewed and statements taken. The officer will give all parties involved an accident card that will detail how to contact him/her. The cars involved may be taken away for detailed examinations. The officer will issue a formal report when the investigations are complete. Criminal charges may also be placed as a result of the investigations.

What should I do after I have been dismissed from the accident scene?

1. Call your auto insurance company and relay all information concerning the accident.
2. Follow up with your doctor even if you don't think you have injuries. This needs to be done that day. If you do have unseen injuries, you don't want any questions arising concerning the cause of the injuries.
3. Contact your lawyer so you will understand your rights and responsibilities.
4. Report the accident to the Department of Public Safety

What to do in an Auto Accident?
Immediately after being injured in an auto accident, you are thrown into an adversarial legal system that is complex and confusing. While you are still receiving initial treatment for your injuries in a hospital emergency room, the parties at fault have already notified their insurance company of the accident.

Every insurance company has in place, a team of adjustors, investigators and attorneys whose sole responsibility is to limit the liability of the insurance company and minimize the amount of money they will be required to pay "innocent" auto accident victims.

You need the assistance of a qualified Personal Injury attorney to guide you through the system to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowable by law for your injuries. There are many mistakes that can be made during the initial stages of a Personal Injury claim that cannot be undone by even the most experienced attorney. We believe that our firm can help "level the playing field" by providing auto accident victims with an accurate straight-forward source of information regarding the legal and practical aspects surrounding the auto compensation system.

"RULES OF THE ROAD"
1.Stop your car, no matter how minor the accident.
2.Assist any injured persons. Call for an ambulance, if necessary.
3.Call and wait for the police.
4.Identify the other driver and get his/her address, telephone number and insurance information.
5.Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers from all witnesses.
6.Do not move the vehicles until the police view the scene unless it is safe to do so.
7.If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, even if the vehicles have been moved. Pay particular attention to skid marks and damage to all vehicles involved.
8.Never admit to the police or anyone else on the scene that the accident was your fault. Anything you say can and will be used against you to defeat your claim for compensation.
9.You may not be aware of the extent of your injuries immediately after the accident. It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
10.Inform your doctor that you were in an auto accident. Tell him about all your complaints no matter how minor, including past injuries to the same body parts that are presently injured.
11.Notify your insurance company about the accident. Even though you are required to cooperate with your insurance company, do not give them a statement (written or taped) without first contacting your attorney.
12.Never submit to any request for a statement by the other driver's insurance company. You are not legally obligated to give a statement. Such a statement could later be used against you. Simply refer them to your attorney.
13.Remember: Insurance companies are big business. They do not have your best interests in mind. The adjuster's sole objective is to settle your claim for as little as possible.
14.As soon as possible after the auto accident, you should photograph any visible injuries (i.e. cuts, bruises, broken bones, etc.) Before repairing your car, photograph the damage from all angles. Provide your attorneys with the prints (and negatives) ofall photographs pertaining to your claim.
15.Consult with your attorney to determine who is responsible for payment of your medical bills. Your medical bills could be processed through the other driver's insurance company, your auto insurance policy or through your group health insurance. Be aware that some insurance policies require reimbursement of anymedical expenses upon settlement of your claim.
16.Keep accurate records of your lost time and wages from work as a result of your auto accident. This information will assist your attorney in determining the value of your claim.
17.Before you repair the damage to your car, contact your attorney. Generally, your insurance company will pay to have your car repaired or pay you the value of the vehicle if it is a total loss. If it is determined that you are not at fault for the accident, your insurance company will seek reimbursement for medical bills from the driver at fault. Your attorney will explain the best way to have your car replaced or your total loss adjusted.