What to do if you have an automobile accident

If you are involved in an automobile accident while you are driving, there are several steps you must take in order to protect yourself from resulting legal problems.

Rule #1 - Whatever else you do after an accident, don't leave the scene without stopping. Penalties for "hit-and-run" are severe.

Rule #2 - Forget rule one if you are bumped from behind on a deserted road at night. In recent years, a growing number of motorists have been assaulted, robbed and raped after getting out of their cars in these circumstances. If you are alone on an empty rural road or on a deserted city street, especially late at night, don't get out of your car. Instead, drive to the nearest police station and report the accident there. If you can't get to a police station or you don't know where to find it, head for the nearest place where there are other people around, like an all night restaurant, service station or a hospital. Honk your horn and flash your lights; someone who plans on hurting you won't want that much attention called to him.

Rule #3 - Get your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, if possible. If you're on a heavily traveled road, don't run the risk of further damage or injury. If anyone is injured, call 911 to get medical assistance. Do not move a victim who is unconscious or complains of neck or back pains. But you should give whatever first aid you can and stop serious bleeding until trained emergency medical personnel arrive.

Rule #4 - Don't make any statements about who was at fault in the accident! Even if you feel that the accident was your fault, there may be circumstances, of which you are unaware, which will lessen your responsibility. Admitting guilt at the scene of the accident may jeopardize your legal rights later on.

Be sure to obtain the following information from any other driver involved in the accident:

1. the driver's license number;
2. the year and make of other cars involved in the accident;
3. the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all drivers, passengers and other witnesses to the accident;
4. if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the owner's name, address and telephone number; and
5. the insurance company and policy numbers for each car involved in the accident.

Be sure to file a police report. If the police come to the scene of the accident, be sure you get the police officer's name and badge number, as well as the location of the police station where you can obtain a copy of the accident report.

Notify your insurance agent about the accident. You may also wish to consult with an attorney to determine your rights regarding any claims you may have against the other driver or drivers.

Similarly, if you are approached by the other driver's insurance company with a quick offer to settle your claim, be very cautious about accepting such an offer. Some serious injuries may not become apparent until weeks or even months after the accident has occurred. If you settle your claim too quickly you will make it difficult to collect for any injury that you discover later on. Get the advice of an experienced attorney. Call the Law Office of William M. Yates if you have any questions or concerns about your rights after an automobile accident.