10 Things To Do After A Car Accident

When you are in an accident, it's hard to know what to do. You feel shaken and confused. You may be injured or in shock. It's a good idea to tuck a list of must-do tasks into your glove compartment for emergencies.

• Take a deep breath and try to calm down. Try to control your anxiety and your anger at the other driver.
• Assess yourself for injuries. If you suffered a severe blow, you may have internal injuries. If you or any passengers in the car are in trouble, call 911 immediately.
• If you can, stay at the scene until police arrive.
• If your car is in harm's way and it is drivable, move it away from traffic. Switch on your hazard lights.
• Open the in-car accident kit we describe below. If necessary, deploy the flares, triangles or cones that you keep in your trunk.
• Take the pad and pencil and jot down any details about the accident: the time, damage to your vehicle, the name of the other driver and his or her insurance information.
• If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
• Take photographs of the accident scene, including any damages to property, injuries, nearby road signs, etc.
• Call a personal injury lawyer you can trust, and explain the situation. The number at Eliot Reiner, APLC is (916) 778-3228.
• Call your insurance agent and report the accident.

Your In-Car Accident Kit

Cellphone use is discouraged while driving, but it is good to have one in emergencies. Other items to have on hand:

• Pen and notepad
• Medical information for all family members
• Emergency contact name and number
• Emergency flares, warning triangles or safety cones

Know what to do after a car accident? Start by calling Sacramento, California, personal injury attorney Eliot Reiner at (916) 778-3228.