What to do After and Auto Accident

Serving Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, Midwest City and Norman, Oklahoma

Auto accidents happen in an instant, and they can impact your ability to think clearly. There are a number of concerns that may run through your mind in the immediate aftermath: Are you or your passengers injured? Is the other driver hurt? Is your car totaled? Is there imminent danger of being hit by another vehicle?

Although a car accident is traumatic, it's important to think clearly and take the following basic steps to ensure that you and your passengers receive compensation should the collision be due to another driver's negligence.

Check for Injuries and Contact Authorities

The first step after an auto accident should be to assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Contact police and let them know whether emergency medical responders are also necessary.

Consult with medical personnel immediately as the situation demands. It's important to note that symptoms of some injuries may not be readily apparent; if you feel unsure about your physical condition, it's best to request medical attention.

Cooperate With Police After the Auto Accident

Cooperate with police, and answer their questions honestly and completely. The authorities are there to accurately and objectively document the auto accident. If another driver is at fault for the collision, the police accident report may be vital to prove your claim.

While you should provide police and your insurance company with factual information regarding the auto accident, you should not admit fault.

Gather Information About the Auto Accident

Record as much information as possible about the accident and its circumstances. Some specifics to note if possible include:

• Names and contact information for other drivers involved
• Names and contact information for witnesses
• Insurance information of other drivers involved
• Driver's license numbers of other drivers involved
• Vehicle make, model, license plate numbers and VIN numbers of the vehicles involved
• General information about the conditions and circumstances in which the accident occurred

Although it's not always feasible to gather all of this information, the more details you can record the better in the event that you need to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

Again, do not accept any responsibility for the accident even if you believe you may be at fault. You should contact experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney James Self of Self & Associates before declaring fault to the police, other drivers or the insurance companies. Read more on Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

The insurance companies will try to minimize their costs, and it's wise to have a knowledgeable auto accident attorney advise you. Oklahoma lawyer James Self has more than three decades of experience representing victims of car accidents; he knows how to deal with insurance companies and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

If you've been injured or a family member has suffered wrongful death in a car accident, please contact Oklahoma City auto accident attorney James Self of Self & Associates today to schedule a free consultation.

Call James Self at 1-800-747-SELF for a FREE CONSULTATION.