I’ve Been In A Car Accident: What Do I Do?

Aug 10, 2022Personal Injury

Getting in a car accident can be a very nerve-wracking experience, especially if you don’t know what to do if it happens. Being prepared and having a plan so you know what steps to take should an accident occur can help you keep yourself, your loved ones, and your right to compensation safe during this stressful time. 

Check For Injuries

Once the initial shock from the accident has subsided, you should immediately check yourself and your passengers (if you were with other people) for injuries. If you’re able, you should get out of harm’s way and call 911 as soon as possible. 

Collect Information

It’s important to collect as much information as you can regarding the accident. Take photos from different angles of the vehicles involved, any injuries sustained, and the surrounding environment for documentation. You’ll also want to note information about the other motorist involved in the accident, such as their contact information, their insurance information, the make and model of their vehicle, and their license plate number. 

Get Medical Attention

Seek medical attention immediately after the accident if you haven’t already been transported to a hospital. Even though you may feel fine, that doesn’t mean that you’ve escaped being injured. Numerous injuries with life-altering impacts, such as internal bleeding and some brain injuries, aren’t always initially obvious. Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident protects both your physical safety and your legal right to compensation.

Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can in the aftermath of the accident. Provide them with the information you have collected from the accident, but don’t offer any final statement regarding injuries and damages. Wait until you have been evaluated by medical professionals and have had your car inspected by a mechanic to make a definitive statement. 

Contact An Attorney

Having proper legal assistance as you seek compensation following an accident is extremely important in making sure you get the justice you deserve. Car accidents can cause more than property damage – they could put your life and the lives of your loved ones on the line. Contact the team at Rivertown Law as soon as possible, because waiting to contact them could have negative impacts on your case. 

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Since 2005, we have helped thousands of individuals from all walks of life, including LGBT families, United States servicemen and women, business owners, and employees from some of the area's largest companies and organizations.
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Terry Beverly

Lead Trial Attorney

In today’s fast-paced world, Terry’s down-home approach will leave you at ease.  For the last 43 years, clients with Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, and other litigation needs have gone to Terry to get the right answers quickly. As clients struggle to keep up with changing, local, and state laws, Terry provides concise advice and actionable solutions. He has years of experience litigating hotly contested cases. That background enables him to develop clear terms in negotiations and agreements, all with an eye to avoiding future legal strife. This tactical and business-focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost.  

In his free time, you will find him working on or riding his tractor around the farm with, Scruffie, his dog. 

Brad Smith

Founding Attorney

After traveling the world and the seven seas, Brad came home, founding Rivertown Law in 2005.  Since then, he has guided Family Law, Real Estate, Criminal and Personal injury clients through good and bad times, giving timely advice and actionable solutions.  Over the last 17 plus years he has litigated hotly contested cases in both Federal and State courts. That background has enabled him to develop a clear vision, a vision he uses during negotiations and trial work.  All with an eye towards avoiding future legal trouble. This tactical and focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost. 

Brad is a master of useless trivia, and in his free time he enjoys watching SCFI with his dogs Roxie and Daisy.       

John Zilinsky

Lead Real Estate & Probate Attorney

Born in Washington DC John developed a love of paperwork at a young age.  And as they say, “do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”.  Well John has done just that over the last 33 years.  Over the last three decades John has helped several local governments develop zoning laws, ordinances and landowners fight those same laws. When not fighting zoning laws he helps home buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing housing market.  Over the last 20 years John has supported families through all areas of life, and death, helping with Wills and Probate issues.

John and his dog, Atlas are lifelong Cubs Fans. And Atlas assures John that next year will be the year the Cubs win the World Series.      

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