10 things to consider after a car accident:

Here are 10 things to consider after a car accident:

1. The first consideration is getting your vehicle to a point of safety.  Many accidents result in a second accident because the disabled cars in the road are not expected by oncoming traffic.

2.  Call 911 and report the accident.  Injuries may not be immediately apparent and the authorities can help with traffic control if necessary.

3. Unless safety requires it, wait for police and fire to arrive before exiting your vehicle.  If you are in pain, the first responders can help determine if it is safe for you to exit your vehicle.  They will also help with traffic control and work to prevent a second accident from occurring as a result of any disabled cars in the road.

4.  If police refuse to come to the scene and you are not severely injured, then write down the name, address and phone number of all involved drivers and witnesses.  It is also good to get the names of bystanders, even if they did not see the accident they may still have helpful information. 

5. Take pictures or video of the scene and any damage to the cars.  Your mobile phone camera will work just fine.

6.  Get checked out by a doctor.  We all want to be optimistic and hope that we are fine, but many serious injuries after car accidents are progressive, with symptoms that do not appear right away.  If you have any numbness, tingling, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, memory problems, vision issues, ringing in the ears, or sharp pain, it is especially important to see a doctor right away.

7.  Rest and stay calm.  Contact your loved ones to help around the house for a few days while you get over the shock of the accident.

8.  Report the accident to your insurance company.  Reporting claims reasonably promptly is a requirement of most insurance contracts.  It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement, but some insurance companies insist on a recorded statement.  The problem with giving a recorded statement is that any inconsistencies in the recorded statement may be used against you later.

9. Get a Property Damage Figure from your Insurance Company; make sure you disclose any preexisting damage to your car that was not from the accident.  Generally you are entitled to fair market value of the car or cost of repair whichever is less.  There is room to negotiate here.   If you do not believe the figure from your insurance company is fair, go to another body shop or seek your own information about the fair market value of your car.  With new information in hand, present it to your insurance company in writing.

10.  You do not need to talk to the other party’s insurance company.  Do not give the other party’s insurance company a recorded statement.  They will use anything they can against you.