What Do You Do When You're Involved In A Car Accident

Few things are as upsetting as an auto accident. One minute you're driving along, listening to the radio; the next minute your car is off of the road with a large dent in the side and smoke coming out from under the hood. That's if you're lucky. Being involved in a Michigan auto accident can be a frightening experience. After such an event, it's difficult to think about what you should say or do. However, knowing in advance the things you need to do in the event of an accident can help you think more clearly at the scene of a car crash as well as get the information you need to protect your rights. You might want to copy this article and keep it in your car with your registration and insurance card so you can refer to it should you be in an accident.

What to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

1. Assess the situation. A car accident can be disorienting. The first thing you should do is to assess the situation and determine whether you or your passengers are injured. Call an ambulance, if necessary. Remember: not all injuries are apparent at first. It's best to err on the side of caution and call for help if you're in any doubt at all. Next, call the police, even for a minor accident. Lastly, secure your vehicle. If you carry traffic cones or flares in your car, set them up so that on-coming traffic can see your stopped vehicle. If you don't have flares or cones, turn on your car flashers. If your car is in the road, don't wait in the car for the police to arrive; stay safely to the side of the road.

2. Don't leave. Michigan law requires that a driver involved in an auto accident remain at the scene until it is cleared by the police. Unless you have to go to the hospital in the ambulance, stay at the scene.

3. Stay calm. Getting angry or hysterical only exacerbates a stressful situation. If you've been in a Michigan car crash, take a moment to collect yourself before dealing with police or the other parties in the crash. If you stay calm, it's more likely that the other people at the crash scene will also stay calm, making it easier to determine what happened.

3. Only talk to the police and/or your lawyer. "What you say can and will be used against you." That's not just a phrase they use on television dramas; it's the truth. Be careful not to talk to any other parties at the scene of the accident. You especially don't want to admit guilt or place blame. Don't even let yourself be overheard giving your opinion of the situation to your spouse or BFF on the phone. Those words could come back to haunt you.

4. Take pictures. You may think that you'll never forget the details of your Michigan car accident, that they are etched in your mind. However, a court case could take months or even years to come to trial. Will you be as sure about the details then? Give yourself a little help (and add credibility to your version of the accident) by taking a few photos with your cell phone. Get the vehicles involved, the pavement surrounding the accident and the drivers and passengers. If you don't have a camera, make a diagram of the accident scene, being sure to note street names, landmarks, any intersections and the location of the vehicles.

5. Get information. Another important thing to do immediately after a Michigan car accident is to exchange information. Get the names, addresses, telephone numbers, license numbers and insurance information from the other driver or drivers. Be sure to ask also if the driver is the owner of the vehicle. Many times people borrow cars or drive company leased vehicles. Again, do not discuss the details of the accident with the other parties; simply exchange information.

6. Look for witnesses. Are there people who weren't directly involved in the accident who witnessed the impact? If so, take a minute to get their names and contact information before they leave the scene. These people can potentially be used to support your version of the accident should it ever come to trial.

Protecting your Rights after a Car Accident

If you've been in a Michigan car crash, even a relatively minor one, you need a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases to look out for your rights. Don't just think that the other party's insurance company is offering you a fair settlement. They are paid to minimize their company's losses. You need someone to represent your side of the case.

Attorney Jason Waechter is just such an automobile accident attorney. He and his team of lawyers will look out for your rights, and it won't cost you a dime unless you win your case. For a free, no-obligation consultation call us at 800 708-5433. We can help you find justice.

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If you were recently involved in an auto accident resulting in injury or fatality, calling us is best: 1-800-708-5433 or simply fill out the short form below or on the right.