Many drivers have never been in an accident, and much more have only ever been involved in a minor fender bender without any injuries or damage. But what happens if you’re involved in a more serious car crash with serious damage, injuries, property damage or even a fatality?

New Port Richey car accident lawyer Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. gets lots of questions about the dos and don’ts following a car accident, so our legal team has compiled information on these FAQs to help you navigate the process.

The Dos and Don’ts Following a Car Accident

New Port Richey drivers should remember these important dos and don’ts when dealing with an accident:

• DO stop and exchange information with the other driver. If you do not stop after the collision, you could face charges of hit and run.
• DO get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, car make and model, license number, license plate number and insurance company information.
• DON’T admit fault to the other driver, police, witnesses, to your insurance company or in your accident report.
• DO pull onto the shoulder or turn off the busy road onto a side street or into a parking lot if your vehicle is drivable. Speak with or gesture to the other driver to indicate what you’re doing.
• DO call 911 if there are injuries and/or damage, if you were involved in an accident in a dangerous, busy location, or if the other driver appears impaired.
• DON’T move an injured person unless they are at imminent risk of suffering further injuries or death. If you absolutely must move an injured person, try to limit movement to the head, neck, and back. You may be able to brace the head and neck with an item from your car, like a road atlas which could be cupped around the back of the head and neck.
• DO seek medical attention if you’ve been involved in any accident beyond a very minor fender bender. This is important because many injuries may not immediately be apparent since adrenaline dulls your experience of pain.
• DO photograph your injuries and keep a journal of your treatments, symptoms, and other related medical issues.
• DO consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in an accident.
• DO photograph the accident scene if you are safely able to do so. Whenever possible, photograph the accident scene before the vehicles are moved. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Also, capture the entire scene with all involved vehicles in the frame. Take photographs from multiple angles. You can also benefit from photographing skid marks (they can be used to determine speed prior to the crash).
• DO file an accident report if the crash involves injuries or damage that will necessitate an insurance claim.
• DO contact your insurance company as soon as possible if you plan to report the accident.

Getting Help and Filing a Lawsuit After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a collision with injuries, New Port Richey car accident attorney Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. can help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, medical bills, lost wages and other damages. But you must contact our law offices soon to increase your chances of seeing the best possible outcome to your case.

Contact the law offices of New Port Richey personal injury lawyer Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. for a confidential, no-cost case consultation. Call 727-781-3433.