If you are in an accident the first feeling you have is usually one of panic. It is a very nerve wracking experience and can be very disorienting. However it is important to know what to do if you are in an accident.
A good habit is to keep your insurance card and registration in your vehicle at all times. This information will be needed should you be in an accident. Should you find yourself in an accident try to remain calm and call 911 immediately to have an officer dispatched to your location. The dispatcher will need to know where you are and if you don’t know what road you are on let them know any landmarks you see around you. Most dispatchers will know where you are even if you are not sure what road you are on if you can describe some landmarks around you.
Generally you should not move you vehicle from the scene of the accident so that the responding officer can take down an accurate report of the scene of the accident. This may vary depending on what jurisdiction you are in as some jurisdictions require small accidents such as fender benders to move to the side of the road until an officer can respond.
Once the officer has arrived you will need to give him all your information and he take a statement from you to investigate how the accident happened. The officer will give a citation to the driver he concludes was at fault. In some cases the officer will give a citation to both drivers involved in the accident if he is unable to determine exactly who was at fault. He will still make a report and then leave it to the courts to decipher where fault should be assigned. This is important to remember since just because you receive a citation does not mean you are at fault.
If you have been involved in a situation such as the one listed above, you need the help of a personal injury attorney. Contact the attorneys at Reeves Aiken & Hightower LLP toll-free at 877-374-5999 for a private, confidential consultation to review your particular case.