What To Do When Involved In A Car Accident?

The attorneys of Zevan and Davidson represent car accident victims in St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois. 

Most car accident victims are unable to claim their full compensation amount or even end up being culprits due to a lack of technical resources or weak prosecution. The victim involved in a car accident is often not prepared to face this situation and present a strong case in court. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer.

Here are some guidelines on what to do when involved in a car accident:

• Stop

Instead of fleeing the scene of accident, you should stop your vehicle and if able, help any victims that were involved.

• Call emergency services/police

In case you or anyone is hurt, immediately call emergency services. Your timely efforts and decisions can save someone’s life. Do not try to disturb any severely hurt victims until emergency personnel arrive, neither leave any victim alone without any attendant. Leaving unattended victims can be used against you in court.

It is very important for investigating authorities to reach the scene of accident as soon as possible. They can collect any helpful evidence which you can easily miss. They are experts in gathering and handling pertinent information which will be helpful in presenting a clear and strong case. While giving your statement, do not try to manipulate the facts or conceal anything from questioning authorities. Keep in mind that if you are right, the investigators can be your best friends.

What to do after these basic steps?

• Scene of the Accident

Try not to disturb the scene of accident. If your vehicle is not disturbing oncoming traffic, do not move it. Unless instructed to do so by authorities, do not disturb any possible piece of evidence from the scene of accident. Anything, which may seem useless, can be of vital importance for your car accident attorney.

• Collect Important Information

After informing the police and emergency services, the next thing you should do is collect important information related to scene of accident. Take as many pictures as you can from different angles. Try to capture the relative positions of the vehicles, distance between the vehicles and their directions. You can also show the intensity of the collision through photographs.

Take contact details of every witness present. Share your contact details, license number, car number plate information and other details with all witnesses and the other driver. Collect as much information about the other driver and the vehicle as you can. Every piece of information is important.

To summarize here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Do’s

• Stop and help.

• Call the authorities.

• Take pictures and collect valuable data.

• Maintain the scene of accident.

• Call a car accident attorney immediately.

Don’ts

• Do not comment on the insurance company or the incident, especially if the media is involved.

• Do not conceal anything from the investigators.

• Do not flee the scene of accident.

• Do not leave any victim unattended.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

If you feel that you or someone you love has a car accident case, contact the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 588-7200 or by filling out our online contact form.

photo credit: zoovroo