STOP! Do not leave the scene! If you must, remove yourself, your vehicle, and passengers from travel lanes and call emergency services immediately. Quickly assess injuries to yourself and others at the scene, including passengers and other drivers. If you’re able and have access to a capable device, take photos and video to formally document everything involved in the accident before emergency services arrive. This includes pictures/videos of the scene, each vehicle with different angles, injuries to yourself or others, and take note of skid marks or debris on or near the road.

Gather names, contact information, insurance information, and witness accounts at the scene. These facts will help to support your case. Always accept medical assessments from emergency services. You may not immediately realize you are hurt due to a post-crash adrenaline rush, and serious complications may arise from unseen problems. Allowing medical staff to treat you also helps to establish a paper trail to ensure that you have proof of your injuries.

DO NOT SIGN OR DISCUSS ANYTHING WITHOUT YOUR ATTORNEY! Avoid discussing the details with others outside your immediate circle and/or your attorney’s office, especially on social media. This helps to prevent these statements from being used to diminish the severity of your injuries.

It’s essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of others. However, you should hire an attorney immediately after receiving appropriate medical care. An experienced attorney is familiar with state and federal laws surrounding CMV regulations that the average person might not be aware of.

The business and its insurance company will waste no expense to fight your claim, no matter how outright it may seem. Information may be withheld, vehicles involved in the accident may be quickly and discreetly repaired, and the victims are left with little to no recourse for their injuries and mounting medical expenses. To avoid this, your attorney will immediately send a Letter of Preservation to the company, driver, and insurance company to legally enforce the preservation of physical evidence.

Stay calm, and never admit to anything unless advised by your attorney. Don’t speak to anyone other than police and emergency services at the scene, and always have your attorney present when speaking to other parties regarding your claim. Always accept medical attention, even if you don’t think you need it. Documenting the scene of the accident helps to compile physical evidence, such as skid marks, damages, and witness testimony. Be cautious on social media to avoid saying things that can be used against you. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this difficult situation, especially if you’ve been injured through no fault of your own. Placing liability is crucial, and working with a skilled attorney helps to develop a more favorable outcome.