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Q: What should you do at an auto accident scene?

A: First, contact the police immediately. Your own auto insurance company will insist on a police report. Sometimes while at an accident scene the at-fault driver will remorsefully admit their entire fault for causing your accident. However, days later, after talking to their own insurance carrier, the at-fault driver's version of the accident events frequently changes to the point that you are now blamed for causing the accident. If you want to protect yourself, call the police so that an accurate police report can be made at the accident scene.

Have the police interrogate the at fault driver to obtain an admission of fault. Persuade the police to issue a traffic ticket to the at fault driver. Even better, you should politely ask the police officer to obtain a written statement signed by the at fault driver. The at-fault driver's insurance company adjuster would have a very difficult time blaming you for the accident if the police have both cited the other driver and have obtained a signed written confession. Finally, ask the police to take photos of the cars and the accident scene. Police photos really put an end to insurance company adjusters' excuses for denying fault. If the police won't come to the accident scene, then go to the police station to complete a police report.

In addition to establishing fault for the accident, the police will establish the identity of the at fault driver. The police can obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses. Only the police can conduct drug and sobriety tests on the other driver. Further, the police can require the other driver to turn over their auto insurance and driver's license information. Without the police, the at-fault driver may withhold much of this information and witnesses may refuse to cooperate. Occasionally tempers flair, fights may ensue but the presence of a police officer settles everyone down for your personal protection.