What Should I Do After a Traffic Accident?

Auto Accident Lawyer

Given that you’re almost certain to become involved in a traffic accident sometime during your lifetime, it’s important to know the steps you should take immediately after one happens. Here they are.

Never Leave the Scene

Never leave the scene of an accident or move your vehicle, even if it’s blocking traffic, until law enforcement officers allow you to do so. If you leave without permission, you could find yourself facing a leaving the scene of an accident charge or even a hit and run charge.

Call 911

Call 911 and request police and emergency medical assistance even if the accident seems minor and you don’t believe you’re injured.

Assess Injuries

Do a quick injury assessment of yourself and your passengers, plus, if possible, of all other drivers and passengers. Never move an injured person unless his or life depends on it. Moving an injured person could exacerbate his or her injuries, especially if he or she suffered a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Exchange Driver Information

Exchange the following types of information with all other drivers:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Insurance company name and contact information

When talking with the other drivers, be cordial, but brief. Never speculate on what or who caused the accident, and never say anything that implies that you think you may have been at fault or partially responsible.

Talk to Witnesses

If any pedestrians are in the area or other drivers stop to help, jot down their names, contact information and their version of what they saw happen. Again, don’t speculate with them, but simply keep their information for possible future use by your lawyer if a lawsuit ensues.

Take Pictures

Take photographs of your vehicle and all others involved in the accident, making sure to obtain clear shots of the following:

• Make, model and color
• License plate state and number
• Indications of new damage
• Indications of prior damage

Make a Police Report

When officers arrive, answer their questions truthfully, but as succinctly as possible. Never volunteer information, especially speculation as to fault. Jot down the officers’ names, badge numbers and the number of their accident report. Ask them when, where and how you can go about obtaining a copy.

Call Your Insurance Company

Finally, call your auto insurance company and report the accident, along with the police report number.

By following the above steps, you ensure the preservation of evidence that could greatly benefit you in the future and make your insurance claim or lawsuit easier to pursue.

Contact an auto accident lawyer

If you were recently involved in a car accident in New Jersey, consider contacting an auto accident lawyer for immediate legal assistance. Cohen and Cohen Attorneys specialize in this area of law and are familiar with state-specific laws pertaining to auto accidents.