When the collision occurs:
Telephone or direct someone to telephone the police.

If the police aren't taking calls in severe, inclement weather, obtain the license plate number, name, address, phone number (home and business), auto insurance company or agent, and social security number of the other driver(s) and the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses; then go to the local police department within 24 hours to complete an accident report.

If you or anyone else is injured or appears to be, telephone or direct someone to telephone or call for an ambulance or arrange for transportation to the hospital.

Unless your vehicle is creating a potential for another accident, do not move it or the debris until directed to do so by the investigating office.

Cooperate fully with the police and be courteous to them. If you are hurt or shaken, tell them so, even though your injury may not require a trip to the hospital.

Do not discuss the accident, at any time, with anyone, except the police, your doctor, your lawyer, or your own insurance representative, except when giving the information required by law in the previous paragraph. Do not give a statement, written, in person or over the telephone with the insurance company or company representative of the other driver.

Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. The police officer may or may not be able to get all the witnesses' names.

You are required by law:
To stop and remain at the accident scene and give your name and address to any person injured, or to the owner or occupant of any vehicle damaged, or the police if you are the owner of the vehicle you are driving.

If you are not the owner, you are also required to give the name of the owner and the vehicle registration number. If a person is injured, you must notify the police and stay at the scene until the police or ambulance arrives.

If you believe the driver of the other vehicle may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tell this to the investigating police officer.

After the Accident:
Telephone a lawyer who is experienced in handling auto accident cases. It is advisable not to sign anything without the advice of a lawyer.

Telephone your own insurance agent to report the accident.

Your rights if you are in an auto accident.
If another person is at fault, you should recover:

Your medical bills that are related to the accident even if these are paid by your insurance company, since you are required to reimburse them from any money you recover.

Payment for the damage to your vehicle and a rental car while your car is being fixed.

Payment for your loss of income.

Payment for your physical pain, disability and inability or diminished ability to do things you once could do.

Payment for future lost income, future medical expenses and for your pain in the future.

Remember, if the insurance company wants you to sign a release, you will be releasing all future rights.

How do I get payment for this?
At first, you should turn the bills into your own health insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid. You will have to reimburse them out of your recovery, but it is important to get these bills paid early.

From your automobile insurance company, you can get your medical bills paid early. If you look at your policy, you probably have "medical payments" coverage. If you were a passenger, see if the owner of the car has this coverage. This coverage will pay your bills regardless of who is at fault.

From the other driver's insurance company. If the other driver is at fault and has insurance, that company is responsible to pay for your loss. However, since they probably won't pay your medical bills until the end of your case, you should turn the bills into your own insurance company.

Your own uninsured motorists coverage. If the other driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your loss, you may get your loss covered by your own uninsured motorists coverage. Do not sign a release for the other driver, though, as you may forfeit their coverage.

Note: Check your policy. If you don't have uninsured motorists coverage, get it! And get good coverage. Also, consider umbrella coverage. This is a cheap way to get covered, if you have a catastrophic loss.