There are various types of car wrecks: 18-wheeler accidents, car accidents with an injury or just a minor fender bender. Regardless of what kind of car accident you’ve been in there are some simple things you can do to be better prepared for any questions from police officer or insurance company.

Make sure other cars and emergency vehicles can see you by turning on your hazard lights. Use any safety triangles, cones or road flares you may have so other vehicles on the roadway can see there is a car wreck and avoid it.

Call 911. Make sure you and your passengers are all okay. 911 will help determine if you need an ambulance along with the police car. Follow the instructions you are given by emergency personnel. Don’t move cars unless in danger and find a safe place to wait for help to arrive.

Remain calm. Auto accidents cause stress and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by everything going on but take a few moments to just breath and collect your thoughts. If someone appears to be overly excited or appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, wait for the police before trying to talk with them.

Make sure you get this information from the other driver:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • License plate number
  • Driver's license number
  • Insurance company and policy number

Use your cell phone to get photos or video of the car wreck, the position of the cars, plate number and any other photos that might show what happened. Text facts and your thoughts about what happened to someone you trust, a spouse, parents, a friend or a lawyer while it is fresh in your mind.

Identify any witnesses to the accident and get their contact information. Name, address, phone, & email.

Do not admit fault but answer questions from police as factually as possible. Get police officer name & badge number. Ask for a copy of any report available, the “Case Number,” or any identifying paperwork.

Contact your insurance company and report the claim. Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re just stiff after a car wreck or you have a more serious personal injury.

Call a lawyer. Many times there are deadlines for documents to be filed or an insurance company is pressuring you to “sign off’ on your wreck before you even know the realities of personal or property damage. There is a lot of information that you may not know about and if you’ve been injured you may need to file a personal injury claim as well. An experienced auto accident attorney can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process and help you get the money you deserve. The team of attorneys at Richard Schwartz and Associates have handled thousands of claims for people just like you so call 601-988-8888.

In case of an emergency

Be prepared for an emergency by having these items in your car: 

  • Insurance ID card and vehicle registration
  • A medical card if you have allergies to any medication, or have a condition that requires special attention.
  • A list of emergency contacts 
  • Jumper cables
  • Pen & paper
  • Flares, safety cones or safety triangles 
  • First-aid kit
  • Blanket