What to Do After an Auto Accident: Accident FAQ’s

What information should I obtain after an accident?
Should I call the police after an accident?
When should I contact an attorney after an accident?
Should I contact my own insurance company?
Should I go to the doctor after an accident?
What should I tell my doctor after an accident?
Do I need to take pictures of the accident scene?
What evidence should I preserve at an accident?
What do I do if I am contacted by the other driver’s insurance company?

What information should I obtain after an accident?

Obviously, you should seek immediate medical attention if you are seriously injured in an automobile accident. However, after everyone is out of danger and medical/law enforcement assistance has been summoned, you should obtain the:

• Full names of the drivers of all of the vehicles involved
• Driver's license numbers and addresses of all of the drivers
• Full names and addresses of any passengers in any of the vehicles
• Full names and addresses of any pedestrians or other parties involved
• Full name, address and phone number of any witnesses to the accident

Ideally, you also made observations and recorded notes about the:

• Persons involved who reported personal injury at the scene
• Drivers who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (notify police or other emergency personnel when they arrive at the scene)
• Medical assistance rendered at the scene
• Persons who claimed to not be hurt at the time
• Parties who inadvertently made reference to being at fault (said “I’m sorry,” etc.)   
• Actual, precise location of the accident
• Direction the vehicles traveling immediately prior to the accident
• Time of day at which the accident occurred
• Weather conditions at the time of the accident

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Should I call the police after an accident?

Contact law enforcement immediately. It ensures the fastest documentation of the accident, and will allow for an immediate, unhampered investigation of the scene. Police will also be of assistance by:

• Taking witness statements
• Examining drivers for drug or alcohol use
• Witnessing any injuries incurred at the scene
• Securing an admission of fault from the negligent driver

Even in minor accidents, you should resist the temptation to "keep things simple" by making an informal agreement with the other driver on the spot. Even if there is no visible auto damage, injuries may develop later. Plus, there is no logical reason to trust a stranger who claims to compensate you without official documentation. Contacting the police immediately is necessary.
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When should I contact an attorney after an accident?

After leaving the scene of an accident, you should immediately contact an attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury matters. At The Law Offices of Regis Mullen & Shane Mullen, Inc., we will promptly arrange for an attorney to consult with you free of charge. This will enable us to immediately take action on your behalf, when the evidence is still “fresh” and uncompromised.
When contacted from the scene of an accident, we can deploy an investigator to conduct a thorough analysis at the scene – so that no evidence goes undetected.
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Should I contact my own insurance company?

Yes! Most auto insurance companies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident. Your insurance company will want to gather all pertinent information for its records – whether or not you are at fault.
Often, the insurance company will want your authorization to make a recorded statement concerning the accident. We strongly recommend that you contact an attorney before consenting to this, particularly if it involves the other driver’s insurance company. Contact us immediately to ensure that your coverage options are not compromised by delaying the statement.
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Should I go to the doctor after an accident?

Don’t hesitate to get checked out by medical professionals, even if you experience no serious injuries. The onset of physical complaints begins 12 to 24 hours after an accident; so, if you walked away feeling merely "shaken up,” your condition tomorrow morning may reveal a completely different story.
If you do feel pain or discomfort, it is imperative that you seek documented medical treatment. These records may be the only recourse to confirm your injuries legally. If this treatment is at an emergency room not affiliated with your medical insurance, be sure to follow up with treatment from your regular doctor or an appropriate specialist.
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What should I tell my doctor after an accident?

When you are reporting your injury to police, paramedics, hospital staff, and doctors, take extra care to identify specific complaints, and do not omit any complaint you may have, no matter how minor. If something does not feel "right" your doctor needs to have this information order to render an informed medical opinion.
Even if you feel it is "no big thing" or not related to your accident, you still should recite all of your complaints. A dry mouth, a light headache, and a little dizziness may be evidence of something more serious. Anything that is out of the ordinary is a symptom and should be reported to assist your doctor in making an informed diagnosis.
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Do I need to take pictures of the accident scene?

If possible, yes – even if the police take photos. In fact, take two or three times as many photographs as you think you might need – from multiple angles and locations. By moving around as if on the points of a compass, you will enable an accident reconstructionist to construct a more accurate diagram of the collision. Using a quality camera is obviously preferable, but a small disposable camera will suffice. These photos should be taken as soon as possible – ideally, immediately following the accident. If this is not possible, obtain a camera and return to the scene when it is safely possible. Another option is to ask someone you trust to bring a camera while you remain at the scene.
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What evidence should I preserve at an accident?

All physical evidence of an accident is important. Take note (and photos, if possible) of:

• Seatbelts in all vehicles
• Skid marks on the road
• Visible auto damage
• Bodily harm to all parties

Physical evidence is vital for a number of reasons; during your initial consultation, we can explain the importance of each piece of evidence in your possession. We also work with investigators and expert personnel who can rush to the scene to preserve and document valuable evidence before it is lost.
However, even if you are unable to retain any piece of evidence associated with the accident, we will gladly advise you of your options.
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What do I do if I am contacted by the other driver’s insurance company?

Never give an oral statement to the other side’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first. If you are contacted, politely decline to talk until you are more prepared. Note that insurance companies' claims adjusters are professional negotiators, trained to use every psychological technique to maneuver you into giving information that can hurt your claim (including discouraging you from contacting a lawyer).
For more information on auto accident matters, contact our Texas law firm for a free legal consultation.
In all automobile accident cases, it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call The Law Offices of Regis Mullen & Shane Mullen, Inc. now at (214) 747-5240 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
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