What to do if You're in a Car Accident

    SARASOTA, FL, October 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Car accidents occur in an instant, and they can leave you overwhelmed with questions including:

- Are you or your passengers injured?
- Is the other driver hurt?
- Is your car totaled?
- Is there danger of another vehicle becoming involved?
- What do I do next?

While a car accident can certainly be a traumatic, stressful experience, the following basic steps can help ensure that you and your passengers have the basis for a personal injury claim should the collision be due to another driver's negligence.

Assess Injuries, Contact Help

The first and most important thing to do following a car accident is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Contact police and alert them as to whether emergency medical responders are necessary.

Even if you don't believe you've suffered an injury, it's advisable to be evaluated by medical personnel as soon as possible. The symptoms of many injuries are not readily apparent, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Dealing with Police and Insurance Companies

Answer police questions accurately; they are there to objectively document the accident. If another driver is at fault, the accident report can be vital in proving your claim.

Likewise, provide honest information to your insurance company. Do not, however, admit fault to your insurance company or the insurance providers of other involved drivers. In fact, it's in your best interests to not make statements to the insurance companies of other drivers without first consulting with an experienced car accident attorney.

Gather Accident Information

Document as much information as possible about the accident, including:

- Names and contact information for other involved drivers
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Insurance information of other involved drivers
- Driver's license numbers of other involved drivers
- Vehicle make, model, license plate numbers and VIN numbers of involved vehicles

Also, note information about the conditions in which the accident occurred and the surrounding circumstances. If possible, take photos or video of the resulting vehicle damage and injuries.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Before declaring fault or making a statement to insurance companies, you should contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

Insurance companies will attempt to minimize their payouts. A good car accident attorney understands insurance company procedures and knows how to maximize the financial compensation you need as you recover from an auto accident.

If you live in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota or Gainesville, Florida, areas and would like to learn more about what to do following a car accident, please visit the website of the accomplished car accident attorneys at Luhrsen Law Group at www.luhrsen.com.

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