What to Do at the Scene of an Accident: A Guide for Protecting Your Legal Rights
Ensure Safety First
If you are involved in an accident, the first and most critical step is to ensure your safety. Bring your vehicle to a stop and assess your surroundings. Are you in a safe location? If not, move to a safer area if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and stay put. Once in a safe spot, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Be aware of your surroundings and try to regain full situational awareness.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
After ensuring safety, immediately call 911 to report the accident. Law enforcement will document the scene, collect necessary information, and determine if emergency medical services are needed. When speaking to the dispatcher, inform them of any serious injuries so that an ambulance can be dispatched if necessary. Even if the accident seems minor, it is critical to have an official police report.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture images of the vehicles involved, including their license plates, any visible damage, and the point of impact. Take wide-angle shots that include street signs, traffic lights, stop signs, and road conditions. If there are any skid marks on the road, photograph and measure them, as they may disappear in a few days.
Identify Witnesses
Look for witnesses who saw the accident and ask for their contact information. Witness statements can be invaluable in supporting your case. If they are willing, ask them to provide a written or recorded statement. Many times, witnesses leave the scene before their details are recorded, so act quickly.
