Cars. Everywhere we go we see them and use them, but many of us don't know what to do when we, or a loved one, are involved in an auto accident. Need help with what to do next? This video clip will give you guidance on what to do at an accident scene, how to deal with your insurance company, and more. Access the material referenced in this video plus additional resources.

 

 

Automobile Accident Video Transcript

Now more than ever, we depend on our cars to take us everywhere. While we take our driving for granted, ironically many of us don't have a clue what to do when we're involved in an accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 42,000 people were killed in auto accidents in the United States in 2005 - that's almost one death every 13 seconds.

In fact, millions of accidents will occur this year alone, which means the odds are likely that you or someone you love will be in a car accident.

So what's the best plan of defense? If you're involved in a car accident, follow these steps at the scene:

• First, has anyone been injured? If so, call 911 immediately and get medical assistance to the scene.
• Then exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident, including car insurance information and vehicle owner information if different from the driver.
• Take pictures of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any personal injuries as soon as possible.
• Call the police and be sure to obtain a copy of the police report. Also, make sure you collect the police officer's business card.
• Get contact information from any eyewitnesses and contact your insurance company.
• Most important, don't admit liability. An accident is an emotionally charged event, and liability issues can get blurred.

If you haven't already done so, become familiar with your insurance policy. Regardless of what happened, the accident affected you and you're going to need to understand how insurance works to make sure you're covered.

Some things you'll need to know include whether you live in a no fault state, what your policy deductible is, and if you have lapsed or gap insurance coverage.

You'll need to know how the insurance company determines the value of your car.

Last, you want to know your legal rights. If you've been injured, or your insurance company is dealing with you in bad faith, you need to know your legal options and seek an attorney's advice. How can you quickly find a lawyer in your area? By going to the "Find a Lawyer" section on lawyers.com.

Have questions about other life events? Then go to the Life Events section on lawyers.com for more helpful video tips.