Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? What if they call me?

Never give an oral statement to the other side’s insurance company. If you do, you will regret it. If you are contacted, be polite, but decline to talk. Insurance companies’ claims adjusters are professional negotiators, with extensive experience in using every psychological technique to maneuver you into giving information which can hurt your claim, including […]

What about preserving other evidence besides photos?

In many cases, even though it may not seem important at the time, it later becomes vitally important to have access to the physical evidence of an accident. For example, in cases where a passenger is ejected from the vehicle, it is necessary to examine the seatbelt to determine if it was functioning properly. If […]

Do I have to take photos right away or can I wait?

It is very important to take photos as close in time as possible to the time of the accident. This is particularly important when it is necessary to photograph “impending” skid marks. Tires do not immediately lock-up and change from rolling tires to skidding tires. During the braking process, a tire begins to leave an […]

Do I need to take pictures of the accident scene?

Absolutely. Even if the police take photos, you should try to take several rolls of pictures if possible. Always take multiple rolls of film of the accident location, the vehicles involved, various approaches to the accident scene, and of the persons involved, particularly if they have suffered an injury. Plan on taking three times as […]

Is there anything special I should tell my doctors?

When you are reporting your injury to police, paramedics, hospital staff, and doctors, take extra care to identify specific complaints, and do not omit any complaint you may have, no matter how minor. If something does not feel “right” your doctor needs to have this information order to render an informed medical opinion. Even if […]

Should I go to the doctor?

Never hesitate to get checked out by medical professionals even when you feel okay. Many times the onset of physical complaints begins 12 to 24 hours after an accident. Even if you did walk away only feeling “shaken up” after being rear-ended by a truck, tomorrow morning when you get out of bed it may […]

Should I contact my own insurance company?

Most auto insurance companies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident. Your insurance company will want to gather all of the basic information concerning the accident for its records – whether you are at fault or not. Sometimes the insurance company will want your authorization to make a recorded statement concerning the accident. […]

When should I contact an attorney?

After leaving the scene of an accident, or while still there if you are safely able, you should immediately contact an experienced car accident attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury matters. At Wattel & York, our personal injury lawyers will promptly arrange for an attorney to consult with you free of charge so as to enable us […]

Should I call the police?

Yes! It is important to contact the police immediately if you are involved in an accident. Doing so will provide proof of the accident, and will allow for an immediate investigation of the scene of the accident. In addition, police will take statements of witnesses, and will examine the other driver to check for drug […]

What information should I obtain?

It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you are seriously injured in an automobile accident. After everyone is out of danger and any medical and police help has been summoned, obtain the following: The full names of the drivers of all of the vehicles involved The driver’s license numbers and addresses of […]