It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you are seriously injured in an automobile accident. After everyone is out of danger and police help has been summoned, obtain the following:

• The full names of the drivers of the vehicles involved
• The driver's license numbers and addresses of all of the drivers
• If any of the driver's appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, notify police or other emergency personnel immediately
• The full names and addresses of any passengers in any of the vehicles
• The full names and addresses of any pedestrian's or other parties involved
• The full name, address and phone number of any witnesses to the accident.
• Did any person involved in the accident report any personal injury shortly after the accident?
• Was medical assistance rendered at the scene of the accident?
• What personal injury did the injured person report? Did anyone say "I'm not hurt?"
• In what direction were the vehicles traveling just prior to the accident?
• At what time of day did the accident occur?
• What were the weather conditions at the time of the accident?
• Was there anything wrong with the vehicles before the accident such as a broken headlight or taillight?
• Was there any damage to the vehicles as a result of the accident? What parts of the vehicle were damaged?
• Who are the registered owner of the vehicles (names and addresses)?
• Were all vehicles involved in the accident insured? What are the names of the insurance companies and the policy numbers?
• Did any of the vehicles need to be towed from the scene of the accident?
• How did the accident occur?
• Did anyone accept responsibility for the accident, or make a comment such as "It was my fault, I am sorry/ I was speeding/ not paying attention/ not wearing my glasses/ distracted/ tired/ late for work/ in a hurry/ my coffee had just spilled/ I should have seen you but I was on my cell phone/ I've been taking these pills/ my eyesight isn't what it used to be after dark, etc."?

As much basic information as possible should be gathered immediately after the accident occurred. As time passes, memories tend to fade and new versions of the chain of events are created. Putting the basic information down on paper helps later when liability for the accident begins to be examined.