What Should You Do After A Car Accident?
Car Accident Injury in Fresno
Thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents each year. But surprisingly few people know what to do following an accident. If you have been in a car accident in Fresno, The Fresno car accident injury law firm of Jacob J. Rivas can help you.
Immediately after a car accident, you should get to a place of safety, with your car if possible. Do not assume that oncoming traffic can or will avoid your car. As quickly as possible, call the Fresno police and medical personnel, if necessary. Check the condition of your passengers, if any, and any others involved in the crash. Do not leave the scene of an accident unless the police indicate you may leave. For more information, please review Mr. Rivas' page on driver responsibility.
Exchange information with any other driver involved in the accident, including driver’s licenses, insurance and contact information. If there are witnesses to the accident, take their contact information as well so you can obtain their statements at a later time. If you have a camera with you (perhaps on your cell phone), take photographs of the accident scene, if you are able and it is safe to do so.
Speak factually and briefly to the police officer making the report. You should not make any statements to the police or any other person at the scene that may be inaccurate and uninformed. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report once available.
Seek medical attention for your Fresno car accident injury. Even if you do not believe that you or your passengers have been hurt, you may have suffered injuries that you are not aware of, or appear minor. For more information, please reivew Mr. Rivas' web page on common accident injuries.
Most insurance policies specify procedures for reporting an accident. You should follow procedures carefully, but again, just provide the facts of the incident. You need not and should not confer with the insurance company for other parties involved in the accident.
