1
Determine whether you are injured or may injured
If you are injured or think that you may be injured following a motor vehicle collision do not hesitate to immediately summon Emergency personnel, an Ambulance or the local fire department. Sometimes you don't immediately realize the presence of an injury or it has not completely manifested itself by pain or appearance. If your injury develops shortly after the accident, i.e. pain, swelling, dizziness then seek medical care as soon as the symptoms appear.
2
Assess the situation
Assess the situation and obtain the name, drivers license information, license plate number and insurance information. Try not to visit with the other driver or occupant more than necessary to obtain the information. If the local police, sheriff or state troopers have been called then save your story for them.
3
Collect information
Try to take pictures of the vehicles on the scene of the collision. Take pictures of the position of the vehicles before moving them and take pictures of the property damage to all vehicles involved. A cell phone often times is the only thing available to take photos and this is acceptable. Additionally, take pictures of any visible injuries or bruising as it heals.
4
Insurance company's
Do not visit with the other drivers insurance company. They are not your friends and are only out to represent themselves and to save money. This means not giving you any money. Remember they are using anything you say against you to deny a claim.
5
Contact legal counsel
You should never ever sign anything from a insurance company without first seeking legal counsel. Most insurance companies will try to get a quicky settlement to you and make you sign a release before you talk to an attorney. They will often mislead you by giving you false or confusing information. They tell you the attorneys will get the money or you will never get paid if you hire an attorney. Then they will ask you to sign confusing documents that were written by lawyers and insurance experts. These documents basically sign your rights away forever. Do not let them convince you. Remember most injury attorneys do not charge for a consultation. Take advantage of this then hire an attorney to maximize your claim for the most money due to you for your injuries.
