Major Accidents and their aftermath can be extremely traumatic. It is important that you remain calm and take the proper steps.

Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the accident.

Call the police. The officer(s) who respond will prepare a report of the accident, including the names, addresses, and driver’s license ID numbers of all parties involved.  All of this information is essential to the success of your lawsuit.

If you are experiencing pain, be sure to leave the scene by ambulance, and go directly to the ER to be examined.

Describe any pain you are experiencing in detail to the first responders, such as the police or EMS workers. Be as descriptive as possible, without exaggerating your symptoms.

Prepare an accident report stating your version of what happened. Be sure to make a copy for your records.

Report the claim. If you were the driver in an auto accident, contact your own insurance company and tell them you were involved in an accident.

When speaking with your own insurance company, request that a No-Fault application be sent out immediately. It is essential that they be put on notice in writing to protect your right to medical benefits.

Be sure to write down any claim number(s) you are given.

If you have not already done so, get to an emergency room right away. It is important that you be examined and the appropriate tests taken to determine the full extent your injuries.

See your family doctor and get referrals to the appropriate specialists (i.e. orthopedist, neurologist, chiropractor, physical therapist, etc.). Your doctor can also write prescriptions for any pain medication you may need.

Have diagnostic tests such as X-Rays, MRI’s, and/or CT-Scans, performed. Your doctor(s) can prescribe the appropriate test(s) based on your symptoms and their examination of you.

If you are unable to work due to your injuries, get a letter of disability from your physician(s) or chiropractor.

Keep track of any time missed from work as a result of your injuries, as well as your lost wages.

Document any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, such as co-pays, deductibles, durable medical equipment, and/or transportation to doctor appointments.

Keep a log or journal to record the dates of your treatment, the specific body parts that hurt, as well as the frequency and severity of your pain.

Take several quality photos** of the injuries you sustained. These include cuts, bruises, burns, scarring, stitches, and/or staples.

**If you use a cell phone to take the photos, be sure to save them on a computer immediately.

THINGS TO AVOID:

Do not leave the scene of the accident until you have contacted the police and they have responded.

DO NOT DRIVE HOME FROM THE SCENE.

When asked how you are feeling, DO NOT SAY THAT YOU ARE “FINE”, or “OKAY”.

Do not speak to anyone about your case until you contact Robinson Yablon Cooper Bonfante, LLP.  We will explain the options available and advise you as to which strategy is best suited to your particular case.

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING, including any accident or incident report(s) prepared by someone else.

Do not discuss the facts of the accident or your injuries with the insurance company for the other vehicle(s) involved.

Do not allow anyone to take a recorded statement from you until you CONTACT US.

NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Under no circumstances should you ever apologize or take responsibility for the happening of the accident

DO NOT – UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES –  POST ANYTHING ON SOCIAL MEDIA!