Dos and Don'ts Following a Car Accident

Car accidents are usually sudden and unexpected. In the aftermath of a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure you are not taken advantage of and to increase the likelihood of receiving compensation for your injuries.

After a car accident, DO:

• Call the police
• Seek medical attention for your injuries
• Cooperate with the police and emergency responders
• Remain at the scene of the accident until the police officer has said you can leave
• Collect the contact information of any witnesses
• Collect the other driver's name, phone number, address and license information
• Limit your communication with the other driver
• If you have a camera, take photographs of the location, car damage and your injuries
• Contact an attorney before accepting compensation

After a car accident, DO NOT:

• Admit fault or apologize for the accident
• Provide a statement to the other driver's insurance company
• Sign anything other than the police report
• Leave the scene of the accident without providing your contact information to the other driver
• Accept any payment from the other driver – or the other driver's insurance company – before contacting a lawyer
• Throw anything away, including bloodied clothing or damaged car parts

Even if you have neglected one of these steps, you should still contact an attorney. Your attorney will look out for your best interest when others will not.

If you have been in a car accident in Vermont or New Hampshire, please contact the experienced Vermont car accident attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss, PLLC, at (877) 611-9622 to schedule a consultation.