You’ve Just Been in an Accident — Keep Calm and Gather Information

Commonly, our office receives a call from a client who has just been in an auto accident.

Things are spinning out of control for our client.  Their heart is racing, people are checking on them, and maybe they’re on the side of the road watching motorists inching perilously close to them.  It is a 360-degree whirlwind, and you are at the center.  Perhaps you or someone else needs medical attention.  All the while, things are happening all around you which could seriously affect your injury case.

What To Always Remember

Keep calm, and remember, YOU are the BEST source of information about your accident!

You are an eyewitness to what happened in your accident.

The only eyewitnesses who saw everything both before and after the accident often are the drivers involved in the accident.

You know who the other driver is. You know what they look like.  You are in the best position to get their information.

What Not to Assume

Do not assume law enforcement will investigate the accident.

For one, there are many accidents that do NOT require law enforcement officers to come to the scene.

For example, police often will not be dispatched to the scene of the accident if you tell 911 that no one needs an ambulance and if all cars involved in the accident can be driven away from the scene.

Even when police come to the scene, they are only witnesses to what they may see or hear AFTER THE FACT at the scene.  Police may only provide an Exchange of Information form with only the most basic information.  In other cases, they may prepare an Accident Report, which usually provides only a brief narrative as to how the accident happened.

Only in very rare instances with severe injury or damage is an Accident Reconstruction performed.

Dash Cameras and Body Worn Cameras, while frequently used, do not always capture the video and audio recordings you may need in the future to prove your case and can be redacted by the government.

The Takeaways

It may not always be possible for you to gather information and evidence at the scene of the accident, especially if you are seriously injured and busy getting medical attention.  But if you are able to gather information, here is what we recommend you obtain:

• Take pictures with your phone of the other driver’s license (front and back)
• Take pictures with your phone of the other driver’s proof of insurance
• Take pictures and video with your phone of the accident scene and damage to cars and other property caused by the accident.
• Take videos of conversations you have at the scene of the accident.
• Take pictures with your phone of the contact information of witnesses.
• Enter into your phone the contact information of witnesses.  Going one step further, you should exchange text messages with a witness at the scene to confirm you have the correct phone number to reach them.

How can Bulman Dunie help you if you have been injured in an automobile accident?  Contact Dan Shaivitz at dshaivitz@bulmandunie.com or (301) 656-1177 for a case evaluation.