Motor vehicle accidents can be emotional and typically lead to a sudden release of adrenaline. Although it is natural to feel stress about the extent of your injuries, who is at fault, and who is going to pay your medical bills and car repairs, there are several important steps you may want to take at the scene of the accident and soon after.

1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and ensure you are all in a safe place; turn on the hazard lights of your vehicle.
2. Stay on site – never leave the accident scene until it is appropriate to do so.
3. Call the police and request that they prepare a report. Ensure the other driver’s information is recorded.
4. Document everything to the fullest extent possible, including the date and time, a description of the accident, weather and traffic conditions, property damage, and injuries sustained.
5. Take photographs of the scene of the accident, including skid marks and street signs, property damage, and any injuries sustained.
6. Obtain witness contact information and statements.
7. Be courteous and polite, but do not admit fault or discuss liability with anyone.
8. See a doctor, notify him/her that you were in a motor vehicle accident, detail your resulting symptoms, and be sure to strictly follow all medical instructions.
9. Call your insurance carrier as soon as possible to report the accident; follow their instructions.
10. Obtain copies of the accident report.
11. Keep receipts of all expenses, including transportation and towing costs, vehicle repair costs and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
12. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Taking these measures will put you in the best possible position to protect yourself and later recover your losses.

The attorneys at Wescott Law have decades of experience representing clients who have sustained injuries in motor vehicle accidents. They will help you through the process and strive to maximize your recovery.