Unfortunately, accidents (automobile, motorcycle and trucking) are an all to common occurrence--especially when driving in California. More often than not, most most people are often confused and unsure about what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident. One thing most people who have been involved in an accident will tell you is that the adrenaline pumps through your body and may cloud you from thinking clearly. To help is short auto-accident checklist. After an accident you should:
- Stay calm.
- Check for injuries (but do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in further danger because of traffic or other circumstances).
- Call the police.
- Promptly seek medical attention.
- Obtain the key information (license plate, insurance, address, phone number, type of car, etc.) from each of the drivers involved as well as witnesses.
- DO NOT give a recorded statement or sign any paperwork with the other side's insurance company.
- Do not admit fault.
- Document all that you can and take photographs, if possible (even with your cell phone camera).
- Let the insurance company know about the accident even if it was not your fault.
- Call an attorney.
