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I've Been in an Accident. What Should I Do?

• Has an insurance adjustor just informed you that you are 10 or 15 percent at fault just because you were involved in the accident? Don't get ripped off. There is no such law.
• If you have been involved in an accident, here are some steps you should take to protect yourself...and your legal rights.

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If you have been involved in an accident, here are some steps you should take to protect yourself...and your legal rights.

The statistics surrounding the number of car crashes in Wisconsin and Illinois each year is staggering. Although we would all prefer not to think that we could be involved in such a crash, your response to an accident may prevent further injuries in the immediate term and assist your legal claim in the long term by keeping the at-fault person and their insurance company honest.

Be Safe

After the accident, tend to yourself and your passengers. Get immediate medical attention for severe and life-threatening injuries by calling, or having someone nearby call 911. If you are able, inform oncoming traffic that they are approaching an accident scene by activating your hazard lights. If you can, open the hood or trunk to your vehicle to further alert oncoming traffic that something is wrong. If you have them, use safety cones, reflective triangles, or flares at night. Leaving your car, truck, or motorcycle parked in the middle of the road or a busy intersection could lead to other accidents, but if your car is inoperable, or if you are too injured to drive, you should remain belted in your car until help arrives. In the event that your accident is relatively minor with no severe or life-threatening injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road, but never leave the scene of an accident.

Exchange Information
Write down the names, telephone numbers, addresses, and driver's license numbers of all drivers and passengers involved. Take down the name, address and phone number of any witnesses to the accident as well, as witnesses often leave the scene of an accident before police arrive. Ask the other driver if they or someone else owns the vehicle. Collect all insurance information including the name of the insurance company and policy number for the driver and owner of the other car. When providing information to the other driver, do not disclose your social security number. Report the accident to your own insurance agent immediately.

Call the Police
Request that the responding officers make an accident report, documenting injuries, damage to the vehicles and the insurance information of those involved. In the event that the police do not respond to the scene of the accident, you should file an accident report at the police station closest to the accident scene. It is a good idea to carry a disposable camera in your glove compartment to photograph the scene of an accident and the vehicles involved.

Contact Hupy & Abraham
Any of our lawyers will be happy to speak with you about your accident and injuries. Contact our office at (800) 800-5678. We are available to take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also encourage internet consultations through our website at hupy.com.

Chad A. Kreblin

online at

visit superlawyers.com

Michael F. Hupy

online at

visit superlawyers.com

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Testimonials

• I am very happy with the outcome of my case and with Hupy & Abraham as a whole. 
  
  - Yvonne B
• We sensed that Leah was in good hands after meeting you and seeing your effective courtroom manner, and you gave us confidence too. 
  
      - Ray & Ilene
  
• I want to thank you for representing me after my motorcycle accident.  It was a good feeling knowing someone such as yourself with Hupy & Abraham was working on my behalf. 
  
      - Jeanne L.
• Thank you and God bless you all for what you have done for us.  Your help has meant so much.  Kathy Blick- Posted February 25, 2010

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