What to Do If You Are In An Automobile Accident

By Bonnie E. Haims, Esq.

Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault &Schaffer Co., L.P.A.

The days of insurance companies being “on your side” or “like a good neighbor” is a thing of the past.  What you do within the first few days and weeks following a motor vehicle accident is becoming more and more important.  With more than 50 years of experience in representing those who have been injured through no fault of their own in auto accidents, the law firm of Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer is pleased to offer the following tips:

-Stop at the scene.  The law requires that you remain at the scene until you have given your name and address to either a police officer or the other driver.

-Get help for anyone injured.  If you or the other driver is injured, dial 9-1-1 and wait for an ambulance.  Do NOT try to move anyone who may be injured.  If you believe that you are injured at the scene go by ambulance to the local emergency room to be examined.  If symptoms appear later, it is important to be examined by a physician as soon as possible.

-Call your insurance company.  You must notify your insurance company or agent within 24 hours of an accident.

-Get photographs of your vehicle.  Unfortunately, more and more people injured in auto accidents are being forced to go to trial in order to get fair and just compensation.  Juries like to see photographs of the damage to the vehicles involved which is why it is important to obtain them immediately following an accident.  Usually drivers do not see their vehicles again until after they have been repaired, therefore it is important to obtain the photographs of the vehicle before repairs are made.  If you are incapacitated and are unable to take the pictures yourself, be sure to have someone take them for you.  If you cannot drive your vehicle an it must be towed, ask for the tow driver’s name and where your vehicle will be taken.

-If you have child car seats in your vehicle.  If you are driving with children in safety seats, check with the manufacturer of the car seat to see if you should replace it following a collision; most manufacturers require that you do.

-Call a lawyer.  Contact a lawyer who can assist you in handling any problems that may arise with the accident.  Do not sign anything sent to you by the other driver’s insurance company until you have discussed it with a lawyer.  Call us for a free consultation or for a free “What to do in Case of an Auto Accident” brochure to keep in your glove box with these any many more helpful tips.  Contact Attorney Lourdes Santiago at (419) 244-5789 or visit the office at 1234 South Broadway St., Toledo, OH.