Many people panic when they are in an auto accident. They worry how it will affect their insurance rates and other matters. Sometimes, panic causes people to say things they will later regret and fail to obtain important information about the accident.

Here are steps to follow if you are in a car accident. They can reduce the hassles and increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

• Call 911 to summon medical help for anyone injured.
• Exchange the following information with the other driver: name, address, phone number, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number.

If the driver of the other car is not the owner, get the owner's name, address and phone number and the name of his or her insurance company and policy number.

• Write down the other car's make, model, year and license number.
• Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, including passengers in both cars.
• Make a diagram of the accident. Show the positions of both cars

If you are in an accident, do not sign anything without first consulting your lawyer, before, during and after the accident. Be sure your diagram shows traffic signals, stop signs and crosswalks.

• Make notes on weather and road conditions, the location of the accident and the time it occurred.
• Do not admit responsibility.

Things you say can be used against you later and affect the outcome of your claim. Call us before you take any blame for the accident. You may think you caused the accident and then learn the other driver was more at fault than you.

After the accident, call us. We will advise you about notifying other parties, your legal rights and duties, and how much money you are entitled to recover. Call as soon after the accident as possible, as the time right after the accident can be vital to your claim.

Due to changes in the law, exceptions to general rules of law and variations of state laws, seek professional legal advice before acting on any matter.