Glen Wieland of Wieland and DeLattre
We are frequently asked to give advice about what to do when an automobile accident happens. Please feel free to share these tips with your friends and family.
1. First, call 911 and report the accident and if you are injured tell them you need medical assistance.
2. Take a second to assess your situation as you are likely to be shaken up and emotions are running high. Your adrenalin is in high gear. If you are injured, just stay in your car until the firefighters and paramedics arrive to assess your injuries.
3. If you do get out of your car, make sure it is safe to get out. Many times accidents happen on interstate highways and people suffer severe injuries after they get out of their car and get hit by oncoming vehicles.
4. If you smell a heavy scent of gasoline, get out of and away from the car as quickly as possible.
5. If you are injured, let the paramedics take you to a hospital or emergency center for care.
6. Anyone who comes up to you to see if you are ok is likely a witness. Ask them to share their contact information with you or get a business card or at least their name and cell number.
7. Your cell phone is a valuable tool so use it to take pictures of all the cars before they are moved or towed away. It may be the last time you ever see the other driver's car.
8. Use your cell phone to share contact information with witnesses.
9. Get your registration and insurance information out of the car and keep it handy for the police officer.
10. Get your purse and valuables out of your car before it is towed away by the wrecker.
11. DO NOT tell anyone you are sorry or imply the accident may have been your fault. You do not have to tell anyone what happened except the police officer.
12. While you are waiting for help to arrive, look around and see if there are any surveillance cameras at any local businesses or any traffic cameras at the intersection.
13. Call your insurance agent and report the accident to them. Their number is typically on your insurance card.
14. If you are injured, you must get emergent care within 14 days or your auto insurance medical coverage may not pay your medical bills.
15. If you have questions about any issue, contact an attorney who specializes in auto accident cases for advice. You can contact us at Wieland & DeLattre, P.A. at 407-841-7699 or visit our website, https://www.wdjustice.com
