What You Should Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident.

• Author: McFarlane, Donald L.

AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE

* Call the police (911) if anyone appears to been seriously injured or damage to all the vehicles appears to be in excess of $2000. EMS will be alerted if deemed necessary.

* Also call police if any of the drivers involved appears to be impaired by alcohol and or drugs.

* Wait for the police to arrive and provide a witness statement. Keep a copy of your statement for future reference. If the police do not attend the scene, go to the nearest district house and provide a statement. Don't forget to keep a copy.

* Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident, as well as the insurance information of all parties involved in the accident.

* If possible, take photographs of the positions of the vehicles and any damage.

* Many lawyers offer free initial consultations and contingency fee arrangements (no upfront costs to you).

SAFETY ISSUES

* Do not move anyone with serious injuries as this may make things worse.

* Move away from the vehicles to exchange information with the other drivers at a safe location.

* In the absence of serious injury, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.

* Do not move your vehicle if there are serious injuries or a suspected impaired driver, as the positions of the vehicles will play a part in any subsequent police investigations.

* All occupants of the vehicles should exit the vehicles and move to a safe place.

* Use hazard lights or other signal devices to make vehicles visible to other traffic.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE

* In the event of serious injury, you will likely be transported by ambulance (EMS) to the nearest emergency room for initial assessment and treatment. Family members will be notified of your situation.

* If you are uncertain as to the seriousness of any injury, have a friend or family member take you to the nearest hospital immediately for assessment of your injuries and treatment.

* Follow up with your family physician or primary healthcare provider as soon as possible following the accident to report your injuries and the cause. Following a diagnosis of your injuries, a treatment plan will be developed for you that may be modified during the course of your rehabilitation.

* Always keep your healthcare providers updated as to your condition and follow their instructions diligently.

NOTIFY YOUR INSURER(S)

* Contact your auto insurer and report the accident as soon as possible. They will require a statement and will provide you with advice regarding...