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Step 1
Call the police as soon as possible, if you are able to physically do so. A police report can be used to back up your story of what happened and provide any details the police may have documented, after having examined the scene of the accident.
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Step 2
Make sure the statements you gave police at the scene of the accident remain consistent on your accident claim, so that no "holes" will be found in your information. A smart thing to do, if you are physically able to do so after an accident, is to write down your detailed account of what happened. You might even include a drawn diagram to illustrate what happened. This way, you will not have to be concerned about memory lapses and can have something to counter disagreeing accounts from the other driver.
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Step 3
Make note of the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. They may be called upon at a later time to provide testimony that will back up your claim for damages.
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Step 4
Get in touch with your insurer right away, following an accident. Time is of the essence so do not let a great deal of time go by without contacting your insurer. Make sure the person driving the other vehicle provides you his insurance information, as well.
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Step 5
Get immediate medical help after an accident---especially if you are seriously injured. Even if your injury is not life-threatening, it is important for you to be examined by a medical professional, who can validate your pain and suffering. Get the examining doctor to write out a detailed description of your injuries and make sure any X-rays, cat scans and the like can be obtained as proof of your injuries to be presented in court.
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Step 6
Determine what your losses are, due to the accident. This includes lost earnings, medical expenses, pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, vehicle repair and other applicable costs and expenses. Calculate, as closely as you can, the amount of financial loss you have suffered as a result of the accident.
