Steps after an Auto Accident in Rhode Island by a RI Injury Attorney
This helpful list of tips explaining what you should do after a Rhode Island Car Accident was prepared by Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney, David Slepkow.
- Be Safe! Many people are injured after a RI Auto Accident. Before you exit your vehicle determine whether it is safe to get out of the car. If your car poses a threat to others than move it to the shoulder of the road. Be very careful to stay clear of moving traffic especially if you are on the highway or is the road is slippery or icy.
- Call The Local Police. You must call the police immediately after the Rhode Island Car Crash. The police will alert emergency personnel if needed.
- Obtain as much information as Possible. Obtain the following information from all drivers involved in the RI Auto Accident:
- Name, address and phone number
- The make, model and year of the car they were driving at the time of the accident
- The name and address of the owner of the motor vehicle
- Get the Insurance Information for all motor vehicle operators.
- Take accurate notes of all statements made by the other drivers or passengers in the accident.
- Get information concerning witnesses to the accident! You should quickly get the name address and phone number of all witnesses before they leave the scene of the accident. Many witnesses quickly leave after they determine the police and emergency personnel have been notified.
- If you were injured in the Car accident, get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you do not leave the scene of the accident by ambulance then go to the emergency room. At a minimum go see your primary care physician or an urgent care facility the next day. The Insurance company will not pay you unless you have a documented injury and you obtain medical treatment
- Take Pictures. photos of all cars involved in the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Accident are very helpful to you RI Personal injury Lawyer. Also take photographs and or videos of the scene and all physical conditions on your body such as bruising, scarring or swelling.
- Make sure you report the Accident to the Insurance Company. Report the auto accident to your insurance company.
- Never give a recorded statement until after you have consulted with a Rhode Island Auto Accident Lawyer.
- Obtain a Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney After the Accident. If you represent yourself the Insurance Company may try to trick you to take a quick short money settlement.
Important Rhode Island Car Accident TIPS to get the best Settlement:
1) Your East Providence Personal Injury Lawyer will get your treatment records and send them to the Insurance Company. Do not provide blanket signed medical releases to the Insurance Company.
2) Some Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyers run for the hills when it is time to file a lawsuit. RI Injury Attorney, David Slepkow will litigate if needed in order to get you the best RI Motorcycle Accident settlement.
3) The Insurance Company will refuse to compensate you when you are not treating with a medical provider. Do not undertake unreasonable medical treatment. Follow your medical provider’s advice. Get the necessary medical care!
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.
A car accident can be a very frightening experience. In the immediate aftermath, you may feel shaken or even panicked. However it is important to proceed calmly so you can rationally deal with the effects of the crash.
What to Do
For many people, the first step to take after a car accident is to breathe deeply and begin to calm down. When you are ready, take the following steps:
- Make sure everyone involved in the accident is all right. If anyone needs medical assistance, call 911 immediately.
- Inspect the damage to the vehicle or vehicles involved. You may want to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment to help you document any damage to your vehicle. If you do not have a camera, take detailed notes of the damage.
- If there was another driver involved in the accident, exchange information with him or her. You will need to share your names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers.
- Call the police to file an accident report. If the accident is minor, they may not be willing to come to the scene. In this case, you will need to call your local police station or Department of Motor Vehicles to file a report.
- Call your insurance company. The representative will want a detailed account of the accident and any damage done to your vehicle. A representative from the other driver’s insurance company will likely also call you to get an account. You may want to refer him or her to your insurance provider or attorney.


