Get help – if anyone is injured or if you are unsure, call 911. The first hour after an injury it is crucial for medical care.

Call the Police – If there is an injury or significant property damage; most states require that you call the police before you can leave the scene of an accident.

Write down Information – get everyone’s contact information. Be sure to write down names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information on all parties involved. Also, note the make, model and color of other vehicles and if possible write down license plate information. The attending police officer should be able to give you this information or help you to exchange details with the other parties involved. Do NOT be afraid to ask.

Identify Witnesses – you will want to get the names and addresses of anyone who saw the accident. Keep in mind that people usually don’t hang around after an accident, so you will want to move quickly to get your witness information.

Say as Little as Possible – a good rule of thumb is not to blame the other driver, even if it was clearly their fault. You do not want to become involved in an argument. Make a mental note of comments the other driver and you may say and write it down as soon as possible. Keep in mind that fault is a very complex issue and is based on facts and legalities. The matter of fault should be left to the police officer or an attorney, if need be.

Put Memories on Paper – as soon as you are able, write an account to the best of your knowledge of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Try to add a sketch or diagram that shows what you believe to have happened. You may think at the current moment that you will remember every little detail, but that’s rarely the case.

Give your Insurance Company a Call – every policy requires you to notify them as soon as possible. Unnecessary delay could result in a denial of your claim.

File State Accident Report if Necessary – most state require you to file a report if someone was injured or there was significant property damage. You can pick up a copy of this form at your local police station.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – take photos. Today most phones have a built in camera, so when it is safe to do so use it! This can be extremely helpful evidence if the accident has caused any injuries. If you are unable to take the photos yourself, ask a passenger or a witness to do so for you. Be sure to get pictures to document any and all injuries. Don’t forget about bruising that can be caused by seatbelts.

A Short Introduction to Accident Law FirmsWhat is an accident law firm?Accident law firms are legal teams devoted to helping individual request legal recourse for injuries suffered in accidents. Recourse means payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and potentially even pain and suffering. Most accident law firms settle cases for their clients without ever going to trial. Rea..