Q. What should I do if I'm involved in a motor vehicle accident?
A. The most important thing to do is take notes of every detail of the situation: time of day, weather, people's names, addresses, license numbers. Your written reminders will be much more helpful and accurate that just relying on what you remember. If you have a cellphone with a camera, take some photos of your car, bike, other vehicles involved, the road and surrounding area. Call the police as soon as possible so that they can investigate and document every detail of the scene. If you are injured and an ambulance to the hospital is offered, take it.
Q. Who else do I need to inform about the accident?
A. You'll need to let your insurance company know right away that you were in an accident, whether it was your fault or not. You'll also need to file a report with the local police department or department of motor vehicles within a couple of days of the event. You should not give a statement to the other driver's insurance company without the advice of an attorney.
Q. When should I call an accident lawyer?
A. The sooner you contact an attorney experienced in auto/motorcycle accidents and/or personal injury, the better off you'll be. While the evidence is still fresh, they'll be best able to help you get the compensation you deserve with the least amount of hassle.