What Do I Do After A Car Accident Pothitakis Law

Even if you are a very careful driver, it is very likely that you will be involved in at least a minor car accident at some point in your life. Should this happen, it benefits you to know what you should do after a car accident. If you do not follow the correct course of action and know what to do after a car accident, it can lead to insurance nightmares, including insurance companies refusing to pay your claim.

Before an Accident

Nobody plans to crash, but being prepared and knowing what to do after a car accident is never a bad idea. In case of an accident, it is important to keep an emergency kit and first aid supplies in your car. Helpful items to keep in an emergency kit include flares, cones or roadside warning triangles, a bright orange vest, and a disposable camera.

Know What to Do After a Car Accident

Safety First

If you are in a traffic accident-and it is possible-safely pull over to the side of the road, turn off your car, and turn on your hazard lights. If you have flares, cones or roadside warning triangles, they should be set up alongside the road a few hundred feet before the accident site so that traffic is aware of the accident ahead.

Check for Injuries

Check for injuries among the people in all cars involved in the crash. If somebody is hurt, especially seriously, do not move them! Standard first aid measures should be taken for minor injuries.

Alert the Authorities

Call 911 and inform them of the accident and any serious injuries. If you do not have a cell phone, ask other people involved or witnesses if they have a phone you can use to alert the authorities.

Trade Information

Trade information with everyone involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange the following information:
  • Name, phone number, and address of all drivers
  • Name, phone number, and address of all passengers and/or witnesses
  • License plate numbers and driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance companies of all drivers
  • Year, make, model, and registered owners of all cars

Take Pictures

If you have a camera or camera phone, you may desire to take pictures of the location of the accident and all vehicles involved, paying special attention to impact sites.

Limit Communication

You should not discuss the accident with anyone but the police. Do not admit fault, apologize or make accusations.

Report the Accident

Immediately report the accident to your insurance company. If the accident involves serious damage, injury or death, it is a good idea to also contact your lawyer as soon as possible.

Shortly After an Accident

Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained.

Accident Report

In Iowa, any accident not investigated by law enforcement that causes death, personal injury or total property damage of $1,500 or more must be reported on an Iowa Accident Report within 72 hours.

Take Notes

Write down everything you can remember as soon as you get a chance. Having notes can remind you of the details that can easily slip from your memory. Write down what you were doing, where you were going, who was with you, what time the accident occurred, what the weather was like, and any other details you can remember of what you saw, heard or felt. Include anything you remember hearing anybody say about the accident. Your what to do after a car accident checklist should include keeping a record of any care you receive after the accident and any expenses incurred due to the accident. This includes doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, medical bills and other expenses. You should also keep notes of the effects of your injuries. This allows you to keep track of pain, anxiety, discomfort, loss of sleep or other effects.

Limit Communication

Yes, we said it before, but it’s important enough for repetition. You should not talk to anyone about the accident other than your insurance company, the police, and your attorney. Do not talk to other insurance companies without the knowledge of your attorney or your insurance company. If they call you, direct them to call your attorney or insurance company to arrange an interview. Get their name and number so that you can alert your attorney or insurance company of who is seeking information about your accident. Hopefully you’ll never need to know what to do after a car accident, but having it in your arsenal is a very good thing. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Iowa, an Iowa personal injury lawyer with experience handling car accident injuries can help you fight for your rights.
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