If you have been in a car accident, these are things you should consider doing:
1. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Your health or the health of others should always take priority over any other accident issues such as insurance, fault, or property damage.
2. Call 911 or contact law enforcement if necessary. While law enforcement often will not respond to an auto accident unless there is a report of serious physical injury, obviously do not hesitate to call 911 and/or law enforcement if the situation is warranted.
3. Obtain contact and insurance information from the other parties and persons who are connected to the accident. This is especially important when law enforcement is not involved.
4. Take pictures of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. While a more sophisticated camera might be preferable, most cellphone cameras are more than adequate to sufficiently depict the basic accident details. Even if law enforcement does respond to the accident scene, do not rely on them to take good pictures.
5. Identify any witnesses and obtain contact information. Again, don’t rely on law enforcement or think you will necessarily be able to obtain such information later in time. Often if you fail to do so at the time of the accident, it will be difficult to obtain such information later in time.
6. Contact an attorney for assistance. Even auto accidents which seem relatively simple and straightforward can often be complicated with multiple, important issues which are best handled by an experienced attorney who regularly works on these types of cases.