Any automobile accident can lead to trauma, even a very minor one. Right after an accident, you will feel lots of emotions such as fear, confusion, and may even be angry. You may not have your thoughts together as clear as you would like, because you are trying to deal with the situation.

Your actions at the scene can be key to a favorable resolution of your accident case. If you aren't severely wounded and in need of immediate help, try to remain calm after an accident. Do the following: * Stay collected * Identify if there are any injured drivers or passengers. If this has happened, phone 911 first. Make sure you obtain the exact location of where the accident took place. * Even if nobody is seriously injured, it's still advisable to call law enforcement. Most city departments will not send out its police unless there are serious injuries or a crime has taken place, such as driving under the influence. * Write down essential information: ~ name, address and everyone's phone numbers. ~Write down the driver's license number and class. ~ Certificate of Registration. (Include the driver's and owner's names if they differ.) ~ Also get the vehicle's license plate number, year, model, and make. Note any corporate logos or company identifications on the car. ~ Proof of insurance. The information you need to write down include the insurance company's name, policy number, dates of effect, and the agent's name and contact number. ~Get eyewitnesses' phone numbers, names, and addresses for future contact. ~Make note of the street names. ~Notate the date and the time of day of the occurrence.

Shoot photos. Make it a habit to always have a disposable flash camera in your glove compartment. Take pictures of all of the cars and object involved, show the streets and people if you can.

Note any damage to the other vehicle that couldn't have come from the accident, as well as anything in the other vehicle that may have led to obstructed vision (such as tinted windows or boxes carried by the other vehicle).

Never: * Don't lose your temper. Getting mad with the other driver will do no good and may lead to an unneeded confrontation. If the other person gets aggressive, walk away and phone 911. * Don't pretend to have an injury. It is against the law to commit insurance fraud. * Do not fight with the cop about who is to blame. The more you disagree and argue, the greater the chance he will find you at fault. * Do not leave the scene of the crash without exchanging needed information.

Sooner or later, statistics indicate that you will be involved in car accident. Keep to these rules, to make the experience as stress free as possible.

About the Author

Barry Edzant is one of the most renowned lemon law lawyers California and understands how to successfully handle an auto accident. Barry has worked with many personal injury claims as a Los Angeles lemon law attorney and understands the seriousness of an auto accident and the implications of the California Lemon Law.