Automobile Accident

   We all spend a lot of time on road traveling for business, shopping and taking care of our families. Traffic accidents are a fact of our way of life. Along with these vehicle collisions come injuries to people. If this happens to you, you may be faced with medical bills, inability to work, disability and pain. The law provides a remedy for your loss and suffering.

    If you are injured in an automobile accident, legal action must be taken within one (1) year of the accident.

1. Don’t attempt to move, unless you can do so without pain and injury.
2. Don’t’ move the cars.

3. Call the police.
   a)  Don’t be talked out of calling, without a police report, you may be unable to prove who is at fault.
   b)  Tell the policeman everything that happened. Don’t admit fault.
   c)  Tell the police where you are hurt, no matter how slight.
   d)  Be helpful and friendly to the police.

4. Get help to take pictures of the cars and scenes.

5. Get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any eyewitnesses.

6. If you are hurt, go to your doctor or emergency room. Waiting too long to seek medical attention will cast doubt that your injuries were caused by the accident.

7. Report the accident to your insurance company.
   a)  Get a copy of the accident report for them.
   b)  If the report is inaccurate, call the police and ask him to correct the report.
   c)  If you have collision insurance, insist that your company repair your vehicle immediately.

8. If your injuries continue for more than a few days, see an attorney.
9. Get two (2) property damage estimates if you have no collision coverage, and give these to your attorney or to the other driver’s insurance company if you have no attorney.
   a)  Try to get the other driver’s insurer to repair your vehicle without signing any releases.
   b)  Get the other driver’s insurer to pay for your medical bills, without signing releases.
10. Never sign any releases until you are ready to settle your case.
11. You should never settle your case until your symptoms have disappeared and you are back to normal.
12. Don’t settle your case unless you have spoken to any attorney and have had your rights explained to you and your questions answered.
13. Don't discuss any aspects of your case with unnecessary persons.