What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident?

• Care for people.
  Calm yourself and check for injuries, then ask whether others are hurt.
• Call 911.
  Report your accident to police even if there are no injuries. Request an ambulance if needed.
• Clear the roadway.
  If your car is operable and blocking a lane of travel, move it to the side of the road.
• Stay put.
  Do not leave the scene – you could be charged with hit and run. Turn on your hazard lights and stay in the car until help arrives.

Can You ID a Hit-and-Run Driver?

If the person who hit you flees the scene before police arrive, try to get the license plate number. Otherwise, try to get:

• The car’s make, model and color.
• A description of the driver.
• The direction the car left in, including street names. Security cameras may pick it up.

At the accident scene…

• Get emergency care.
  If EMTs or police advise you to go to the emergency room, get into the ambulance.
• Gather driver and witness information.
  Exchange information with the other drivers, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone who saw the accident happen.
• Document the scene.
  Take photos or video of the positions of the cars and their damage. Photograph everything that helps tell the story of the accident:
  -Debris or skid marks.
  -Signs, trees or other damaged property.
  -Hazardous conditions, like standing water, potholes, obstructed view.
  -You and your passengers’ injuries.
• Cooperate with police.
  Be calm and business-like. Answer police officers’ questions honestly, but answer only what’s asked. Do not speculate about what caused the accident. Do not admit or accept blame for the accident.
• Remove your car.
  Once police have finished or otherwise instruct you, you may remove your car. You may need to contact a local towing service. If at all possible, do not leave your car at the accident scene.

The fee may be recoverable. Get police reports online 48 hours after the accident at GetCrashReports.com. You may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a $15 check or money order payable to “The State of Rhode Island” to:

In a mailed request, include the driver’s name, date of the accident and accident report number.

• Call your insurance company.
  File a claim, but do not provide a recorded statement. Follow instructions for obtaining car repair estimates.
• Save accident documents
  After you have decompressed, write down in your own words what happened. Create a file for all receipts, reports, photos and other records connected to the accident and your injuries. Save everything.
• See a doctor
  Even if you do not feel hurt, a doctor may find serious injuries that do not cause symptoms right away. A doctor’s exam also documents your injuries. Follow the doctor’s orders for treatment.

• Call a car accident lawyer.
  A Rhode Island car accident lawyer can start helping you with a free consultation. Your attorney can investigate the accident and keep important evidence from being destroyed.
• Be wary of quick settlements.
  The insurance company may offer a check before all your costs are known. Do not accept or sign anything without a lawyer’s advice.
• Get your car repaired.
  If your insurer declares your car “totaled” and you disagree, discuss this with a lawyer. You can appeal the decision.
• Keep up with costs.
  If you rent a vehicle or take public transportation while your car is being repaired, you can seek repayment. Save receipts for all crash-related expenses.
• Keep your accident to yourself.
  Don’t discuss or boast about an anticipated lawsuit or settlement. Do not make posts to social media – they could jeopardize your claim.

• Concentrate on recovery.
  Recovering from your injuries counts most. Continue to follow doctor’s orders for all treatment and medication. If you have an Rhode Island personal injury attorney, let him or her worry about your accident claim.

Download a PDF of this checklist