I was hurt in an accident. What do I do first? 

This Accident Checklist highlights the steps you should take after your involvement in an accident. If you or a loved one are involved in a personal injury case, this lists the"do's and don'ts" to help you protect your right to a legal solution for harm suffered. We recommend printing this handout and keeping it your vehicle/home for reference.

First steps after impact are:

1. Put on your emergency flashers so other drivers will go around you

2. Check to see if anyone in your car is injured, and if so, call 911 for medical help

3. Exit your vehicle if it's safe and you're physically able to do so

4. Check to see if anyone in the other vehicle is injured, and if so, call 911 for medical help

5. Call the police. An officer will make a police report of the facts of the accident, which can be used in insurance investigations and lawsuits. The officer will also assist in exchanging information between you and the other driver, as well as routing traffic around the accident. The officer may also determine if anyone has been driving while intoxicated

6. Take a picture of the scene if you have a camera. Some people keep a disposable camera in their car for this reason. You also may have a camera on your cell phone

7. If you're able to safely move your vehicle, move it to the shoulder of the road and turn on your emergency blinkers.

8. If the police have been called, stay at the scene of the accident until the responding officer confirms you can leave.

9. Call your insurance agent and report the accident. Ask your agent about any time limits for filing a claim. If you plan on filing a claim, get the claims process started as soon as possible. Your insurance company will investigate the loss, take statements and inspect the damage to both vehicles in order to determine the merits of your claim.

10. Collect evidence proving who caused the accident, as well as the damage caused by the accident. Photographs of the accident scene are very useful. We recommend carrying a digital/disposable camera in your car at all times if you do not have a camera in your cell phone.

11. Write down and record everything that has happened to you after the accident. This may include things like medical bills, hospital visits, lost work wages, etc.

12. Record the facts surrounding the accident, such as the time, date, location of the accident and weather conditions. Some cell or smartphones are also recording devices and are a good way to record anything you think is important. Write down the contact and insurance information of all the parties involved in the accident, and ask for the contact information of any witnesses that observed the accident. Contact these people to confirm their information.

13. Don't discuss the accident with other drivers or witnesses. You also don't want to start any arguments. Try your best to maintain calm. Do not provide statements to opposing parties or insurance adjusters prior to speaking with the attorneys at Mathew and George. If you admit liability, this may be used against you later.

14. Be sure to keep accurate records of any conversations you have with opposing parties or insurance representatives. Be careful not to discuss matters related to fault with the opposing party or insurance representatives. Do not provide a recorded statement to opposing parties or insurance adjusters prior to speaking with the attorneys at Mathew and George. If you admit liability, this may be used against you later.

For more questions on how to pursue or fight a claim after being involved in an accident, please contact our attorneys and schedule a FREE case analysis today (310) 478-4349 or (888)278-7878.