It is terrible when someone gets into a car accident especially when it is someone else's fault. Accidents should not happen to anyone; they often bring misery, pain and disruption of lives to the victims and their families. However, as long as drivers are driving too fast, driving too close, texting, talking on the phone or not paying attention for other reasons, many preventable accidents will continue to happen.

After an accident, there are certain important things that one should do. The first step is to get the police to do a report at the scene of the accident. If the police report confirms that it was the other person's fault, this usually will not be disputed by the responsible person's insurance company. The report will also have all the other necessary information; driver's license number, addresses, home and work telephone numbers, name of insurance companies and policy numbers and vehicle license numbers. If the police do not come to the scene, get this information yourself. Without a police report, witnesses who confirm that it was the other driver's fault are very helpful so be sure to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Finally, take pictures of the cars, the area where the accident happened and the people involved as soon as you can after the accident; preferably before the cars are moved. The police usually do not take pictures so your pictures may be the only ones ever taken.

If you have collision coverage, get your car repaired at one of your insurance company's "approved" repair shops. This way if there is any problem when you pick up your car, you can take it back until it is done right. Your insurance company will later collect the repair cost from the other insurance company so your rates should not go up.

Remember, no insurance company, even if it is your own, will offer you the full compensation for your losses. Statistically, accident victims with serious injuries receive three times the compensation with an accident lawyer than they do if they represent themselves. Nelson C. Barry III is a San Francisco car accident lawyer who has 31 years of experience. The initial consultation is always free as is his "no recovery, no fee" rule.

Consult an attorney early. It will not cost you anything and you will get advice that will most likely help you avoid mistakes that could cost you and your family money later.

San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney, Nelson Barry specializes in protecting people with serious injuries. He will make sure his clients are compensated for their losses such as property damage, medical expenses, income loss and for physical and emotional losses.