At Capshaw & Associates, we work with personal injury clients to help them recover from oftentimes life-changing events and injuries. Car accidents can be one of the most traumatizing events people experience, and the incidents are often disorienting. That’s why being prepared and knowing what to do in the moments after your accident is crucial.
The truth is people often say too much and don’t get the right information from the other driver in the moments after an accident. This puts drivers at risk of getting less than what they’re owed from insurance and in lawsuits (when necessary).
You should keep the checklist below handy and stick only to this information. Do not give out any additional information, do not apologize, and do not discuss who is at fault because anything you say could cost you thousands of dollars and put your financial security at risk.
Information to take note of:
- Time and Location of the Accident
- Weather Conditions
- Traffic Conditions
- Any Roadway Obstructions or Irregularities
- All Damage to Your Car (Take Photographs)
- All Damage to Other Cars (Take Photographs)
- Take Note of Potential Witnesses and Obtain Contact Information if Possible
Information to ask the other driver for:
- Name
- Contact Information
- Vehicle Make and Model
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Company, Policy Number, and Phone Number
- Driver’s License Number and Address
- Attorney Name and Contact Information
Information you should provide:
- Name
- Contact Information
- Vehicle Make and Model
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Company, Policy Number, and Phone Number
- Driver’s License Number and Address
- Attorney Name and Contact Information
You’ll notice the last two lists are the exact same. That’s because you should not be demanding more information from the other driver than you’re willing to divulge and trying to conceal this information could be seen as an attempt to obstruct the information. Any such attempt may be considered when determining fault in your accident case.
What’s important to remember is to limit yourself to this information and don’t get any further. It can be tempting to shout at the other driver when you believe they are at fault, or it can be tempting to apologize even when the accident isn’t your fault. Your defense starts at the moment of your accident.
Contact a personal injury attorney
When considering a personal injury case in your accident, it’s imperative that you sift through the noise of all the personal injury attorneys out there and choose the right one. At Capshaw & Associates, we have unmatched experience and provide our clients with better solutions than they can find elsewhere.
Contact us after your crash and let us take care of your legal situation so you can focus on recovering both physically and mentally.