Do you know what to do if you are in a motor vehicle wreck? Its impact on your life can range from a significant inconvenience to a major tragedy. Taking prompt and correct action at the time of the collision can help you avoid problems later.

We recommend the following:

• Call the police and ensure that the collision is investigated and a report is made. What appears to be minor damage to your car often turns out to be quite costly to repair. A police report can be helpful for your insurance claim.

• Be certain that you obtain a description and tag number of the other vehicle,and if possible the driver's name and his insurance company. Interview witnesses if you are able to do so.

• Do not admit responsibility for the wreck to anyone unless you are absolutely certain of it. You may initially think that you are at fault, but facts discovered later may show that is not at all the case. Remember--anything you say can, and will, be used against you.

• As soon as you are able, make notes about details of the collision (e.g. tag numbers, road and weather conditions, distances involved, lighting, statements by the other driver, names and addresses of witnesses).

• Report the incident promply to your own insurance company. Failure to do so may give it grounds to deny your claim. You should not admit responsibility to your insurance company unless you are certain of it. If you do, the company might deny certain claims which you might have against it. For example, your uninsured motorist coverage gives you a claim against your own insurance company if the other driver is at fault and has no insurance.

• If there is any possibility of injury, you and your passengers should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some types of injuries are difficult to identify at first (e.g. neck and back injuries), but become very painful after several days. Your failure to get immediate care will be used against you later in an attempt to discredit your injuries.

Please contact our office if you suffer a motor vehicle injury. If you are not represented by a lawyer, we will arrange an office or home or hospital visit at no charge and provide a free analysis of your case! If we accept your case, there will be no lawyer's fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our numbers are 479-968-4747 (Russellville area) or 888-295-4741(toll-free).

Copyright (c) 2011, Jim Carfagno, Jr., P.A. All rights reserved