New Mexico Post-Car Accident Checklist

At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A., our experienced auto accident attorneys in Las Cruces want each of our New Mexico residents to be prepared if they are ever involved in a traffic collision, so they know exactly what to do to help increase their personal injury claim’s chances of success inside and outside the courtroom. We understand that the moments after a traffic collision are confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. To ensure your safety, and get the most from your claim, the following is a checklist of things to do after a vehicle collision. First Things First: Stay Calm Vehicle collisions are scary and can send anyone into an immediate panic. Maintaining a calm demeanor will allow you to avoid any conflict with the at-fault driver and keep you from aggravating any injuries or becoming emotionally overwhelmed until you can get medical attention. Step Two: Call 911 Chances are if other motorists saw your collision occur, they probably called 911, but you should not count on it. Call 911 yourself and ensure law enforcement arrives and fills out a complete police report. Even if you believe your accident was minor, without a police report, the other driver can claim they were not at fault, and there will be nothing you can do to change that. Step Three: If It Is Safe To Do So, Move Your Vehicles Move all involved vehicles only if it is safe to do so so they are not obstructing traffic. If the conditions are too dangerous, or if the vehicle is not fit to move, take yourself out of harm’s way, and remain in a safe place until first responders arrive. If you or another person is seriously injured, do not move until medical help arrives on the scene, so you do not exacerbate the injuries. Step Four: Exchange Information with the Other Driver Record the names, phone numbers, driver’s license, registration, and insurance information, as well as emails, and physical addresses of everyone involved in the collision. Note the name, department, and badge number of the police officer filing the accident report, along with the report number. Takedown any names and contact information of witnesses from the scene. Step Five: Take Pictures of the Crash Scene and Your Injuries Take pictures of the complete crash scene, all vehicles involved, and the injuries that resulted to help strengthen your insurance claim and personal injury case. Contact Our Skilled Personal Injury Lawyers in Las Cruces, New Mexico Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in Dona Ana County at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. by calling  575-541-3004 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party responsible for your complete financial recovery.