What to do if You're in a Car Crash

Here's a list of things to think about if you're involved in a car crash.  You can print this list and store it in your glove box so that it's there when you need it.

1. Stop.  Pull off to the side of the road if you can, so that you aren't blocking traffic.  Set up road flares if you have them so that oncoming vehicles are alerted to your presence.  Call the police.

2. Help the Injured.  Call an ambulance if there are injuries that need a doctor's attention.  Be sure to tell the responding police officer about the injuries so that he can record them in his report. 

3. Wait.  Do not pick up or move any of the debris from the accident until the police offer has completed his report and instructed you to do so.  Leaving the debris in place helps the officer to have a better understanding of what happened at the scene of the accident and helps him write a more complete report.

4. Be Quiet.  You should only discuss the accident with a few people: the responding police officer, your doctors, your insurance representatives, and your lawyer.  If the other party's insurance company calls you and offers to settle, think about consulting a lawyer before doing so. 

5. Write.  As soon as you can you should make notes about the accident.  These notes should be of your own recollection of the accident as well as any statements made by the driver of the other car or occupants of either vehicle.

6. Collect Information.  Ask the other driver for his name, phone number, address, and driver's license number.  Jot down his license plate number also.  Exchange auto insurance informatoin wtih the other driver.  Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.

7. Take Pictures.  Take pictures of the accident scene from all angles.  Make sure that you can see street signs or other identifiers in the viewfinder.  It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in the glove box for this reason.

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C
1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020
Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713.224.7800
Fax: 713.224.7801