First Steps you should
take.
The information on
what to do immediately following
an accident or injury. To begin, select an item from
the list below or from the "Browse"
box on the left.
1. Take Notes About the Incident and Your
Injuries
2. Preserve Evidence and Take Photos
3. Obtaining and Using a Police Report
4. Meet with an Attorney
Here is what to DO
and what NOT to:
THE DO's
DO seek proper medical attention before doing
anything
else.
DO summon the police, in appropriate cases.
DO cooperate with all law enforcement and
emergency
personnel who respond to the scene.
DO get the license plate numbers of all other
vehicles involved in car accidents
and the drivers'
names, addresses, telephone numbers,
and insurance information.
DO get the name and address
of the animal's
owner and any license information if you were
injured by an animal bite or attack.
DO write
down the names, addresses, and
phone numbers of all potential witnesses to
any accident or injury.
DO contact
your health, homeowner's, and/or
automobile insurance companies, as appropriate.
DO take photographs of all
of the following, as
applicable, as soon as possible after the accident:
- The scene of the accident, from all angles.
- The surrounding area.
- The product or animal that caused your injuries.
- Your injuries.
- Any property damage.
DO contact
an experienced accident and
injury attorney
DON'Ts
DON'T move your vehicle after an automobile
accident, unless necessary for safety or
required by law.
DON'T
subject yourself to further injury by
standing or waiting in an area near traffic or
other safety hazards.
DON'T
leave the scene of an accident until
the police tell you it is okay to do so.
DON'T throw away any potential
evidence in
the case, such as defective products,
important docum.
