Things You Shouldn't Do If You Are in A Car Accident. Advice to Follow if You've Been in a Car Wreck

You're sitting at a stop sign in your car when suddenly CRASH someone hits your vehicle from behind. Maybe you are traveling through an intersection when out of nowhere a car runs the red light and POW you get T-boned. What happens next? What should you do? Who do you call?

If you are reading this hub chances are you have been in a car accident or know someone who has. I was recently involved in an automobile accident myself and learned a lot from the experience. I wanted to share some tips on what not to do if you find yourself in a situation similar to mine in the hopes that it will help you or someone you know. Please feel free to leave a comment or your own car wreck experience and tips after you finish reading my hub.

Regardless of whether or not you have been in an accident it is important you keep certain paperwork and information in your car or someplace where it is easily accessible:

• Insurance Verification: Always keep current insurance verification in your glove compartment or the console of your car. If you are involved in an accident it is the first thing the responding authorities will ask you for. If you don't have it you risk getting a ticket.
• 911 numbers: It's important to keep a list of emergency contacts with your insurance verification form in the event that you become incapacitated in a wreck and are unable to tell the authorities who to contact on your behalf. You can also program the numbers in your cell phone under 911 contacts.
• Car title: While it isn't adivsable to keep your car title in your vehicle it is extremely important to keep track of it. If your car is not drivable after an accident it will be towed and the tow company will not let you have access to the vehicle unless you can prove that you own it.

So you've just been in an accident and you aren't severely hurt. There are several things that you need to do as soon as you possibly can:

• Pictures: Don't forget the old adage that a picture speaks 1000 words. If you are involved in an accident it is imperative that you photograph not only your own vehicle but the other persons vehicle and the accident scene as well. Note anything unusual including skid marks, lack of skid marks, obstructions in the road, or water on the pavement. The pictures will come in handy when you are dealing with your insurance company.
• Witnesses: Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of witnesses to your accident. I was extremely lucky to have several people witness my accident. These wonderful people thought quickly and wrote down the description of a car that was involved in the accident as well as the cars license plate number. Because of them the highway patrol was able to track down the careless driver and cite him accordingly.
• Your Statement: Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as you possibly can. Write down the smallest details even if they doesn't seem important. I was visited by a highway patrol officer in the hospital following my wreck and just knowing the color of a vehicle proved to be extremely important.
• The Towing Company: Don't think that the company that towed your car did it out of the kindness of their heart. They did it to make money-not only from the tow but also for storing your car on their property. Tow companies charge between $12 and $50 a day to keep your wrecked car safe and sound. Leaving your vehicle with them can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.

If you are injured in an automobile accident there are several things you shouldn't do:

• Don't Move: It is absolutely impossible to know the extent of your injuries directly following an accident. Your body has just been through a traumatic event and chances are you will experience a rush of adrenaline or go into shock. The worst thing you can do is to move around and aggravate any damage your body has sustained. It's best to be still and wait for a first responder to assess you and determine if you need to go to the hospital or not.
• Don't Forget To Keep Receipts: The insurance company of the party responsible for the accident is required to reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses you incur because of the accident. It is important to keep receipts for all medication, bandages, and medical devices you purchase. The insurance company isn't going to guess at how much reimbursement you deserve they will require receipts as proof.
• Don't Forget To Keep a Daily Injury Diary: You are entitled to any pain and suffering you incur due to your accident. Once again the insurance company isn't going to guess at how much to give you. Keeping a daily diary of your physical difficulties helps them to understand the extent and duration of your injury.
• Don't Immediately Talk To The Insurance Company Regarding Your Injury: Insurance adjusters want to settle any personal injury claims as quickly as possible for as little as possible. They may act as though they are concerned for your welfare but in actuality they are concerned about how much your injury is going to cost their company. Don't get trapped into speaking to the adjuster frequently.
• Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney: If you are severely hurt in an accident it may be necessary to talk to a personal injury attorney. Only you can determine if it would be beneficial or not. The consultations are usually free and most attorneys will not charge you until your case is settled.