No matter how responsibly you drive, the chance of you being in a car accident sometime in your driving career is very, very high because reports indicate that almost every single driver will be in some type of auto accident at some point in his life. Fortunately, most people are involved in less serious accidents, but there are those that are fatal. In fact, it is estimated that over 40,000 people die in car accidents in the United States every year; hundreds of thousands of drivers and passengers are injured. If you are injured in an auto accident, or if a loved one is killed in a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can be of great assistance.

The moments immediately following car accidents are extremely chaotic and traumatic; it is during these moments that critical mistakes can be made. If you are aware of the do’s and don’ts following a car accident, you may be better prepared should this unfortunate occurrence ever happen to you or your family.

The most important thing for you to remember is to never, ever admit fault in a car accident, even if it was your fault, actually. If you admit fault, you may severely affect the outcome of a personal injury case later should you decide to file suit. Of course, when the police arrive, you will be asked to read and then sign an accident report. You can do this, but do not sign anything else at the scene of the accident or at a later date unless advised to do so by an experienced auto accident lawyer.

Here are some more suggestions:

DO NOT:

• Leave the scene of the accident
• Refuse medical help
• Speak on the phone to any insurance company
• Confront other driver
• Give a statement to anyone other than police officer

DO:

• Call 911
• Accept medical treatment even though you may not feel injured
• Sign the police report only if it is accurate
• Take down information about witnesses (names, phone numbers, etc.)
• Take pictures if you have a camera
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney in your area