Car accidents happen.
The moments immediately following a car crash are chaotic. Whether victims are seriously injured or not, their mental state is often dazed and confused. Emotions run high. The best way to handle yourself after a car crash is to remain calm. It sounds so simple, but in the heat of the moment it’s often hard to do.
Casey, Devoti & Brockland has created a check-list that should be followed immediately after a collision. We suggest you keep a printed copy in your car for future reference. Knowing what to do and how to handle yourself will go a long way in helping you stay calm after a crash.
Download a copy: Casey-Devoti-Brockland-Car-Crash-Check-List
STEP 1: CHECK FOR INJURIES.
Call 911 immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured, get an evaluation by a medical professional.
STEP 2: GET TO SAFETY.
If your car is causing a hazard, pull it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.
STEP 3: CALL POLICE.
No matter how serious the accident, always call the police. Responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. If the police can’t come to the scene, go to the nearest police station and complete a report yourself.
STEP 4: JUST THE FACTS.
When talking with anyone about the accident, share only the facts. Do not speculate on how the crash happened or who may be at fault. Do not admit fault to the other driver, passengers, the police or insurance representatives.
STEP 5: EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
Exchange information with the other driver.
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license, license plate number and VIN
- Type, color, make and model of vehicle
STEP 6: DOCUMENT THE SCENE.
Be a reporter and get the facts – who, what, why, when, where & how.
- Document location.
Get an address, GPS coordinates or the nearest intersection. Take note of the type of roadway and nearby traffic signals or signs. - Identify officers.
Obtain the name and badge number of all responding officers. - Request police report.
Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. - Take pictures.
Take pictures of all vehicles from different angles, showing all damage. Get pictures of the other cars license plates. - Take down names.
Get names and contact information for all parties involved, including passengers in the other vehicle. - Talk to witnesses.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
STEP 7: NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY.
Do notify your insurance company right away. Do not accept a quick settlement offer from your insurance company or the other drivers’ insurance company.
STEP 8: KEEP A TIGHT LIP.
Do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone. Do not make any statements about the accident to the other driver or their insurance representatives. Keep accident details off your social media pages.
STEP 9: SEEK LEGAL ADVICE.
Even a minor fender-bender can get complicated if the accident involves multiple vehicles, injuries or varying degrees of fault. A seasoned personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of your accident and help determine the best course of action.
About the Firm
Casey, Devoti & Brockland is a St. Louis-based law firm focused exclusively on personal injury litigation. Since 1983, our attorneys have helped injured people navigate the road to recovery by securing compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. Together Partners Matt Casey, Matt Devoti and Anne Brockland have nearly 50 years of trial experience handling the following personal injury matters: car crashes, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice, birth injuries, JUUL and e-cigarette litigation, product liability, premises liability, elder and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation and wrongful death. We proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
Our highly accessible attorneys deliver the perfect balance of aggressive legal representation, compassion and personal service. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (314) 421-0763.
