What To Do if You Are in a Car Accident

If you find yourself in a car accident, you should have some helpful items in your car, and you should have a plan in place. Follow these tips to make sure you and loved ones are prepared in case of an accident.

At Sachs Waldman, our attorneys have helped countless car and truck accident victims get back to their lives after an accident, but we know that you can never prepare enough when it comes to knowing what to do when a car crash happens suddenly.

Prepare for Accidents Before They Happen on Michigan Roads and Highways

Keep emergency items in your car — Pack the following in your trunk or glovebox: first aid, cell phone, list of emergency contact numbers, pen and paper for taking notes, card with allergy information and a list of medical conditions emergency personnel and physicians should know about you, flashlight, road cones, and emergency flares.

Think About Safety First

Get to safety first — If possible move yourself and your car out of harm’s way to prevent further injuries and accidents. If you cannot move, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until emergency personnel arrive on the scene. If you can do so safely, set out emergency triangles or flares so other drivers know there is a problem up ahead. If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 to get help.

Document, Record, and Gather Information

Exchange information — Remember to take down the name of insurance companies; policy numbers; note the make / model / color of cars involved; and take down other names of drivers, driver license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses, get their accounts of what happened and their contact information as well.

Take pictures and describe the accident in detail — Note the location and orientation of vehicles. Include street names, and note the time of day. Take pictures of damage to all vehicles. File an accident report. If police are not on the scene, you can file an accident report at a police station or at the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Get medical help if you need it — As soon as you realize you may be injured, you should seek professional medical attention. Make sure your treatment and condition are documented. If you are injured, you will need proper records to show you should be compensated.

An Experienced Accident Attorney Is Your Best Defense

Talk to an attorney, not the other driver — Sometimes people try to be polite and to feel the need to generally apologize for the accident happening. Resist the urge to be polite and courteous in this situation. This does not mean be rude; just don’t talk to other parties in a way that points to blame or responsibility. Limit talking to exchanging relevant contact information. Do not tell anyone what your policy limit is. Don’t talk to another insurance company and don't respond if they offer a settlement without first contacting an attorney. You will need to contact your own insurance company to let them know what happened, but to be on the safe side, first seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can talk you through the process and let you know what the options are.

Sachs Waldman car accident attorneys serve accident victims in Detroit and throughout Michigan. For nearly four decades, Sachs Waldman has been fighting for personal injury victims. When you choose our attorneys, you get experience and commitment. Contact us us today for a free consultation at (313) 965-3464 or fill out our online form.