10 Things to Do If You are in a Delaware Car Accident

Take these 10 steps if you are in a Delaware car or motor vehicle accident:

1. Immediately Stop Your Vehicle

Immediately stop your vehicle at the accident scene if the vehicle is drivable. Make every effort to pull off to safe spot where you are not obstructing the flow of traffic.

2. Check to See If Everyone is Okay

In Delaware, you have a duty to find out whether anyone has been injured or killed in the accident. Ask other drivers “are you ok?” Help if you can.

3. CALL 9-1-1

Under Delaware law you must help injured people at the scene by taking them to a hospital or by calling 9-1-1. I recommend that you call 9-1-1 asap to get police there. A police report will be good for you to document the accident and to determine who was at fault. It helps your injury case if the officer issues the at-fault driver a citation.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

If you are physically able, exchange information with the other driver. Show the other driver your driver’s license, give your name, address and registration number even if you are not at fault.

5. Document the Accident

If you are not in the hospital, and you are physically able, do the following:

• Photograph the crash scene
• Photograph the other driver’s license plate
• Photograph your injuries
• Identify witnesses and take down their name, telephone number and address
• Take down the police officer’s name
• Ask the police officer for a driver exchange sheet or an incident number

6. Give Accurate Statements to Police

Tell police your side of the story if you were injured by another driver. Give a concise, accurate and honest account of what happened. Tell the officer you injured.

7. Seek Medical Attention

If injured, seek medical attention right away! Ride in the ambulance. Go to a walk-in clinic. Your own car insurance known as PIP coverage should cover the bill. The insurance company can argue that your claim is not worth as much because you didn’t go the ER or see a doctor the day of the accident.

8. Refrain from Signing Anything

Do not sign anything. Especially, do not sign any forms, releases or waivers provided to you by the at-fault insurance company.

9. Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Your own insurance policy could require that you notify them of the accident. It would be better to speak to a Delaware lawyer first, but if you can’t find a lawyer right away, you should call your own insurance company and obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim number for medical treatment. Give a concise, accurate and honest statement of the accident and injuries. Do not call the other driver’s insurance company and make a statement.

10. Call a Delaware Licensed Attorney

A Delaware licensed lawyer can advise you on what steps you need to take to preserve your injury claim. The laws in Delaware are different that other states. Make sure you are calling a Delaware lawyer versus a national law firm that advertises. You can reach Jason R. Antoine Attorney at Law at his local Wilmington office at (302) 482-4802.

Jason R. Antoine, Wilmington, Delaware Car accident attorney offers free consultations on Delaware car accident cases and works on contingency fees. Call (302) 482-4802 to schedule a free consultation.