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AT-THE-SCENE 

CHECKLIST

10 Things to Do After a Car Accident

1.  Don’t Admit Fault.

2.  Stay where you are. Don’t flee the scene. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party.

3.  Call the police. Even if there are no serious injuries or damages, you should always call the police and obtain a copy of the police report to file a claim with your insurance company.

4.  Don’t move the cars. Try your best not to move the vehicles and preserve the scene for the police, and to take photos. Make sure to turn on your emergency blinkers.

5.  Look for witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information. It’s best to contact them as soon as possible to get their recollection because people’s memory fades over time.

6.  Take pictures. Take pictures of the cars, the scene, visible injuries, etc.

7.  Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel immediate pain or injuries, they may manifest in a few days or a week. Make sure you seek treatment, even for minor impacts.

8.  Report the incident to your insurance company. Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible.

9.  Keep a file. Keep all of your incident-related documents, including the claim number, the adjuster, all contact information, police reports, etc.

10.  Protect your rights. There may be intricacies and issues you may not be aware of—seeking the advice of an attorney can be your best bet.

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