No one ever plans to get in an accident, but you can make the possible situation less stressful by being prepared and knowing what to do.

Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Carry a cell phone, pen, paper and a disposable camera to take pictures at the scene (if you dont have a camera phone). Also, keep a list of contact numbers handy, including law enforcement, emergency contacts, and your lawyer. Of course, feel free to call Collier and Collier any time day or night at 804-364-5200. You may also want to include a flashlights, emergency flares, and warning triangles.

If you are involved in a car accident, try to remain calm, and follow these steps:

1. Call an ambulance if anyone is seriously injured.

2. Move to safety. If the accident had no serious injuries, you and the other drivers should move your cars to the side of the road and out of harms way. If a car cannot be moved, make sure to turn on hazard lights and put out hazard triangles and flares if you have them.

3. Exchange the following information: Name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, drivers license number, license plate number, and a description of each car, including year, make, model and color. Also note the exact location of the collision and how it happened.

Do not tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

4. Document the accident. Take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles and get the contact information for any witnesses.

5. File an Accident Report. Law enforcement officers may not respond unless there are injuries, but you should still file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the DMV website.

6. Call a Richmond personal injury attorney like the ones at Collier and Collier, P.C. at 804-364-5200. We are here to help and happy to answer any questions you may have.