What do I do after an Car Accident?

1. Check to see if anyone is injured. If someone is seriously injured call 911.

2. Do not call anyone else for the next 10 to 15 minutes on your cell phone. It has been noted in recent cases that cell phone messages left at or near the time of the accident are used by insurance companies to claim cell phone usage as a cause of the accident.

3. Do not move the vehicles unless traffic is being blocked. Take as many pictures as you can quickly. It may be necessary to determine the placement of the vehicles after the impact. If your vehicle is blocking traffic and it is safe to do so, move the vehicle a short distance. If it is unsafe, then wait for the police.

4. Get as much information as possible about the other driver, such as driver's license number (take a picture of their driver's license), license tags, insurance policy, and take descriptive notes on the appearance of the vehicle and the driver. Cell phone photos are very helpful.

5. Determine if there were any witnesses. If there are witnesses to the accident, so try to obtain their personal contact information. Witnesses, at times, have been known to make or break a case.

6. Take pictures. Cell phone pictures of the vehicles and the surrounding environment help to determine how the accident occurred, vehicle placement, speed limit signs, intersections, skid marks, drivers and passengers etc.