Although difficult, stay calm. Call the police and have them investigate the collision so that they can prepare a written report. Do not make any statements to the other driver and passengers other than to exchange insurance information. Even if you think you feel fine, do not make this admission at the scene of the collision. Even if you feel fine, you might feel a lot worse later. Due to our adrenaline, many people who are seriously injured, do not notice any bruises or serious symptoms until several hours or a day or two later.

If you are beginning to experience symptoms or have had an episode of altered consciousness tell the investigating officer and the paramedics.

Make sure you get the other driver’s physical address in the event that your case cannot be resolved without filing a Complaint and serving the at fault driver. You will need a physical address to have them served.

If your car is not operable, it will be towed from the scene, make sure that you secure the location of where the car will be so that you can limit the time frame that your car will be stored. Storage charges mount quickly and if you are not careful, you could lose your car. If you are ambulanced from the scene and are seriously injured, have someone call the business where your car is being stored and advise that you do not want your car stored there more than one week. Storage charges will mount quickly, yet insurance companies can move slowly and you will not be able to recoup all of these charges should your vehicle remain in storage for too long a period of time. If necessary pay the storage fee, and have the car towed to a location where you will not need to pay for storage. Save the receipts and the insurance company will reimburse you later.

Do not allow the other person’s insurance company to take a recorded statement. Simply tell the adjuster where you car is and pin them down on a date, time and location where they will be appraising the vehicle damage. GET PHOTOS BEFORE THE INSURANCE COMPANY TAKES THE CAR/BEFORE THE REPAIRS ARE MADE.

Do not sign any medical authorizations without consulting an attorney. Although your insurance company would be entitled to a medical authorization should your policy provide medical payments coverage, have a lawyer review the documents FIRST so you know that this is what you are signing.

Do not sign any releases. There are insurance companies that will try to persuade you to take a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Do not allow them to lure you into an early resolution which could cost you later.