What should I do if I am in an auto accident?
Driving is such a routine part of our lives we tend to go through the motions without necessarily having contingency plans in place. However, car accidents are very common, and you never know what will happen in any given moment. In 2012 alone, there were a total of 5,615,000 traffic accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On this page we will provide some basic information about what you should do after a car accident.
Stay at the Scene
We will go forward under the assumption that you are physically capable of reacting after the accident. First and foremost, you do not want to leave the scene of the accident immediately. It is important to stay put until you have done everything that is necessary.
If you were to leave the scene, you could face criminal charges, so there is never a good reason to flee. This is true even if you do not think that there was any significant damage done.
Assess Injuries
The next order of business will be to assess any injuries that may have taken place. Of course you want to evaluate your own condition, but you also want to assess the condition of your passengers. You should also check on the status of people in the other vehicle or vehicles.
Call the Police
You should then make sure that you call the police so that they can file a police report, and you should take note of their badge numbers and names so that you can refer back to them later.
Exchange Contact Information
It is also a good idea to exchange relevant contact and insurance information with the other driver, but you should never admit to any wrongdoing. If possible, you should obtain contact information for any witnesses that may have stayed around after the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your insurance company should be notified about the accident, and the other party's insurance company may contact you. However, you may want to take pause before you discuss details. If you are injured, you may be entitled to damages, and there are many different legal intricacies involved.
The wise course of action would be to discuss everything with a licensed attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney is going to be advocating your interests, and he or she will have a great deal of experience working with insurance companies. This is experience that you probably don't have as a layperson.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident in New York State or New Jersey, our firm can help. Seasoned New York City personal injury lawyer Adam Thompson has reached million-dollar settlements for victims of auto accidents, helping many survivors move toward with their lives.
To schedule your free consultation, contact us through this website or give us a call at 855-497-2326 today.
Arrested? Hurt in Accident?
Get Help 24/7
Click to Call Now Or
You will not find a lawyer more committed to his clients' causes than Adam Thompson. I have tried several cases alongside him and I can say from first hand experience that his trial skills are levels beyond even our most experienced piers. He has an ability to connect with jurors that is rarely seen in trial practice. Adam sets the bar very high. His passion for advocacy and absolute devotion to his clients is unparallelled. Adam personifies the ideal of the lawyer as fighter, and is an example to be followed. In complex or high stakes cases Adam is the go-to guy. A fearless, tireless, ethical and extremely competent trial attorney.
Aaron Baily Esq.
I have worked with Adam in various cases during his 26 years of practice. He's a very smart and hardworking lawyer who has great creativity and puts it to work for you. He is also very energetic, and relentless in representing his clients. When I need a great trial lawyer in New York, Adam's the one.
Anonymous
Adam Thompson is by far the most dedicated trial attorney I have worked alongside with. I have had the privilege of working with Adam on multiple personal injury trials. His attention to every detail and unmatched work ethic have always led to a great outcome. I strongly recommend Adam for anyone looking for a strong advocate who understands how important your case is to you.
Sean Gradowitz Esq.
I have worked with Adam numerous matters over the years, both in criminal defense and personal injury matters. Adam is a zealous, professional advocate for his clients.
Steven Rosenberg Esq.
Adam is one of the brightest, creative, and successful attorneys I've known. He takes command of the courtroom, is ballsy, and goes after the win like no other! If you're looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and competent attorney who will FIGHT for you, choose Adam.
Susan Margiloff Esq.
I endorse Mr. Thompson. I've known him for more than 25 years. He is a thorough, enthusiastic attorney, and a creative, out of the box thinker. He has boundless energy and is extremely dedicated.
Amelia McGovern Esq.
An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.
John O'Brien Esq.
I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a very intelligent and creative attorney, who puts his extensive experience and abundant energy at work for the benefit of his clients. He is the kind of litigator that you want on your side when you need to fight a difficult fight.
Mario Pabon Esq.
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
Christian Lassen Esq.
Great lawyer. His opinions and advice make obvious his legal expertise and handle on the law. I recommend him without reservation.
David Fraser Esq.
Adam Thompson is one of the most gifted and knowledgeable trial lawyers I have ever seen. We have worked on many cases together and his input and insight is invaluable.
Mike Rubenstein Esq.
I have used Adam Thompson for all types of personal injury and criminal cases for my firm for over 10 years. He is simply the best. I call him "The Master" I would recommend his service to anyone!
Peter Hurwitz Esq.
Adam Thompson has tried several cases for my firm. We always win, and the clients love him! He is 'The Man'!
Mathew Kogler Esq.
I have used Mr. Thompson's services as trial counsel on numerous cases. I have found him to be professional and always prepared. He always obtains excellent results. He is an aggressive lawyer who gets things done. My clients have always thanked me for using his services.
Leon Greenberg Esq.
Adam had be retained by a close friend many years ago and I had always heard him described as a "powerhouse"! Recently, I had an unexpected situation and thankfully we still 25 yrs later had Adams number. It was a holiday weekend and he was out of state but he quickly took it over and not only advised me but went beyond by doing everything possible to minimize the situation immediately. He kept me informed, explaining next steps and his expectation. He handled it so professionally and I honestly don't think the outcome would have been what it was without him. I am very grateful and highly recommend him.
G.C. New Jersey
When I met Adam Thompson, I knew right away that he was a class act! He is a brilliant attorney, fights for his clients and what he believes in with 110% passion and effort! His knowledge as it pertains to the law (criminal, civil) is simply unmatched! Having had the pleasure of working with Adam Thompson as an on air news contributor, I am convinced he's simply in a class by himself! I worked with him when I was a journalist at CNN and now have had the pleasure of having him as a guest in my own broadcast studio (www.floridasunstudios.com) as a frequent guest commentator on HLN's Jane Velez Mitchell's Show, Issues. Aside from being a brilliant attorney, this guy has moxie and class! It's no wonder that he is also a syndicated radio talk show host. If I were a network news executive, Adam Thompson would definitely be on my "short list" of attorneys to hire as a legal analyst!
Scott
Adam Thompson has been my attorney since 2006. He is on top of his game! Always honest & up front. Always gets back to me if I have questions & reliable. 100 % energy!!! He is a winner! He prepares you at all time & keeps you well informed and updated. I trust him! If you need someone on your side chose Adam Thompson. You will be glad you did!!!!
Nike
If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable, caring yet aggressive defense in legal matters then Adam Thompson is your answer. I have known Mr. Thompson for seven years needing his assistance on two different occasions for a family member and then myself. My experiences with Mr. Thompson have been completely positive. Adam's handling is heartfelt (he treats you like family) and your in good hands legally since he is very proactive and hardworking on your case. I feel very confident and reassured having him as my attorney. He embodies all the good qualities that you would look for in an attorney but more importantly in a human being.
Karen
Adam saved my life!! I was in danger of being falsely convicted because of poor representation from my first attorney. Adam stepped in and got down to business. He is super smart and understands the most important aspects of working a case. More importantly, Adam took the time to make me feel comfortable with the process and understand me. I couldn't imagine any other attorney closing my case with such success!!
Adreama
This guy is the "best of the best"! Generally I do not like lawyers so for me to say something is quite amazing. Adam is an honest lawyer who is out for the clients best interest regardless if it puts money in his pocket or not. Its hard to find a decent guy who knows what he is talking about. So if Adam will work with you I'd say run don't walk as he has the knowledge and character to help you.
Adam Urban
Adam Thompson is one of the greatest lawyers in the legal profession. His knowledge of the legal system is impeccable. He got me out of some stuff and for that i am forever in his dept. He is know joke and he really wins every case.
Marcus
Adam put his heart into my case as if he were the client. He speaks up and stands up for his clients. A real old school mouthpiece. A true lawyer.
Tom
Mr. Thompson walked me through my case (personal injury) and arranged for doctor visit for evaluation of injury and subsequent therapy sessions. He kept me informed of my status and explained the entire process so that there would be no surprises. I was prepared for depositions and eventually the case was settled and all issues were resolved favorably.
David
Adam has helped me fight the police and the City for the past ten years over my son getting killed by a NYC cop. He fully investigated my case and always kept me thinking positively. He was able to settle my case with the City I call him my Guardian Angel. God bless him.
Yvonne V.
Mr. Thompson represented me in a criminal case where I was misidentified and charged with serious crimes I did not commit. He fully investigated my case and never gave up. We went to trial and he got me acquitted of all charges. I am now married and have gotten on with my life, I have Mr. Thompson to thank for that.
Keith P.
Mr. Thompson represented me in an automobile case. My family and I cannot thank him enough for all his effort and advice. We were ready to settle the case to just get it over with and he urged us to wait it out and have patience. It turned out I had much more serious neck and back injuries than had first been discovered requiring major surgery. He later settled our case for almost one million dollars. He never stopped fighting for us. He has helped us so much.
Alex R.
Mr. Thompson represented me in a automobile accident case. Other lawyers did not want this case. Mr. Thompson accepted my case and fought for may years to protect my rights. The insurance company refused to settle and offer any money for my injuries. Mr. Thompson never gave up and took my case to trial. He was able to get a jury verdict for $125,000.00 when everyone else said I would get nothing. I don't know how I would ever thank him.
Ronald J.
He worked a true miracle representing me. God bless him. I recommend everyone to use him. He really cares. He took my case to trial against the city and was just excellent. The jury and judge loved him. He was like watching a movie. He should be on TV.He settled my case before verdict for over $550,000.00. I still cannot believe it.
Alicia H.
Mr. Thompson is the best. We consider him family. He has handled several cases for my family and our friends over the years and always gets great results. More than that, he treats you with respect and really cares. We would refer anyone who needs a lawyer to him.
Jose M.
I cannot thank Mr. Thompson enough for what he did for me and my family. I was falsely accused of a crime and he stood in my corner and fought for me day and night. We went to trial and he won my case.
Melvin B.
- Appeal Case
- Auto Cases
- Civil Rights Cases
- Construction/ Negligence Cases
- Criminal Defense Cases
- Employment Case
- Environmental Case
- Slip, Trip and Fall Cases
