1. CALL 911

Get Police and rescue to the scene immediately. The police will take statements and investigate the accident. Rescue will tend to anyone that's injured.

2. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION

If you have any pain or numbess or tingling in your arms, fingers, legs or feet get to the hospital. Numbness can be sign of a more serious injury such as a herniated disc. It's important to document these symptoms so there's no question they were cause by the accident.

3. GET LEGAL ADVICE

Before calling your insurance company or talking to the other persons insurance company Call Jim Donelan at 401-461-1500 You should not discuss your injury or the way it happened until you have consulted a lawyer. The statements you make might be incomplete or taken out of context and be harmful to your claim at a later date. Do not sign any papers or agree to any settlement, as this may affect your right to pursue your claim. Always seek competent legal advice first.

4. GET THE RIGHT DOCTOR

Jim Donelan can assist you in finding the doctor that can best treat your injuries, even if you don't have medical insurance. Some injuries from a car crash are very subtle and never go away. They have to be diagnosed quickly to protect your rights to compensation and get appropriate treatment. Treatment may last for months or years if the injury is permanent. NO HEALTH INSURANCE??? Don't worry! .... Many doctors will provide treatment if they know they are protected and will be paid out of settlement proceeds. Jim Donelan has helped many clients that don't have medical insurance get competent medical treatment. If you or someone in your family has been injured, you should seek Jim Donelan's advice as soon as possible to see if you have a personal injury claim.

5. FILE A STATE ACCIDENT REPORT

If someone is injured or the damage to the vehicles exceed $1000 you are required by law to file a state accident report. Jim Donelan's office will help you complete the form and file it with DMV. Here's a link to the state accident report that must be completed and filed within 21 days after the accident. Click here for the state accident report.

6. GET A RENTAL VEHICLE

Attorney Jim Donelan will help you make sure that the transition between accident and recovery is not unduly hampered by lack of mobility, or by the added stress of having to worry about haggling over payment for an interim means of transportation. Attorney James Donelan has dealt with hundreds of insurance adjusters and assisted his clients getting a rental vehicle while their vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Please call Jim Donelan at (401) 461-1500 for a free initial consultation if you have any questions regarding your right to the use of a rental car.

7. REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR VEHICLE

If your car has been disabled, it may be impounded and towed away immediately to clear the city streets. The first thing should be getting an estimate for the repair of your vehicle from a licensed auto body shop. Usually an appraiser from your insurance company (if you have collision coverage) or the other party's insurance company will view the damage and negotiate with the shop for an agreed figure to repair the vehicle. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED - If the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the car, the insurance company will offer to reimburse you only for what they consider to be the "fair market value" of the car. This figure will often take into account mileage and condition of the vehicle. Jim Donelan has a great deal of experience in working and negotiating with insurance companies and their adjuster and assists his clients in negotiating property damage settlements. Normally he does not charge a fee or a percentage for this service. All of the money recovered for your damaged automobile goes directly to you. NO SALES TAX??? He will also get a letter from the insurance company so you will only have to pay sales tax on difference in value of the old vehicle and the cost of the new vehicle. If you have a question regarding the repair or replacement of your vehicle, due to an accident, call Jim Donelan at (401) 461-1500 for a free consultation.

8. FILE FOR TEMPORARY DISABILITY INSURANCE

In Rhode Island most workers pay into Rhode Island's Temporary Disability Insurance fund, more commonly known as TDI. We'll help you file a claim so you'll have income while you're out of work. Here's a link to the program - Here's a link to the application for benefits and the online application: https://uiclaims.state.ri.us/tdionline/ - Remember many employers have private disability insurance as a benefit for their employees. Check with your human resource department to see if you're eligible for benefits while you're disabled.

9. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

What to do in case of an Automobile Accident This comprehensive guide contains step by step procedures to follow if you have been the victim of motor vehicle accident. Click here for the free guide!

10. CALL ATTORNEY JIM DONELAN

The information contained on this website and in the guide is designed to give insight into the many factors which make up the process of an accident: investigation, discovery, negotiation, settlement, and (if necessary) litigation. It is by no means complete, and you should consult with an attorney for advice concerning any specific legal situation. The bottom line is this: Jim Donelan can get you a better settlement, even with his contingency fee, than you can get yourself. And you can decide that for yourself, because his initial consultation is free. Call Jim Donelan today at 401-461-1500 and schedule an appointment.