The sudden shock of an automobile accident gets the adrenaline flowing through your veins and it’s tough to think straight. You must, however, try to protect yourself and your rights. The minute after the wreck occurs, take a deep breath and do these three things.

Stay put. Only move your car if you can and if it’s blocking traffic. Assess yourself first, your passengers, others involved in the incident and call the police, even if it’s just a fender bender. If there are injuries, call emergency personnel.

Gather information of all involved, including passengers. Take down names, contact info, licenses, insurance, vehicle makes, models and years. Talk with witnesses and get their contact information. Take pictures and video of the scene.

Don’t say I’m sorry or admit to fault in any way. It’s best to say very little to anyone after the accident. Only discuss the matter with the police. Regardless of who was at fault, you should not open yourself up to unnecessary liability.

Once you’ve left the scene, contact your insurance company and seek guidance from a qualified personal injury attorney. Your vehicle has been damaged, and chances are you might have been injured as well. The responsible party might be liable for your costs, so enlist help today. Call The Law Offices of Michael Lily at 870-935-2400.