If You Are in a Car Accident
We all like to think "it won’t happen to me," but even so, it is important to know what steps to take if you are involved in a car accident. Proper procedures at the scene of an accident will reduce your legal and financial hassle down when dealing with both sides’ insurance companies and other issues.
Be sure to keep a copy of your insurance policy in your glove box, as well as a pen, a disposable camera, a card with relevant medical information for you and your family members, and if available, a pre-printed form that allows you to record details of an accident and provide a sketch of the scene. Make sure you know what coverage is included in your insurance policy. Contact your insurance provider in advance if you do not understand some of the policy terms. The back section of your policy may also provide instructions in the case of an accident. You would want to utilize this to make sure you do not forfeit any of your rights if you fail to follow proper procedures after a car crash.
When a motor vehicle accident actually occurs, Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident. Call the police and stay there until police have arrived and left again, making sure to write down the names of the responding officers and assuring that they have your side of the story before they take off. A police report will not necessarily take you off the hook or account for the severity of damage done.
Check for injuries among your passengers and those in any other vehicles. Call an ambulance if necessary. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move the vehicles out of traffic flow and turn on your hazard lights.
Regardless of who may be at fault, be sure to exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers and insurance company information with any other drivers involved in the accident. Remain calm and handle these steps in a cordial and cooperative way. Do not admit guilt or make accusations thereof. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to alert them of the accident and do not sign any documents not given to you by the police or your insurance company. If there are injuries or serious damages, you will also want to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within about 10 days of the crash.
Take notes. Make sure you document specific information on the damages to all vehicles involved. Note time, weather conditions, etcetera, and seek comments or reports from any witnesses of the crash. If you have a camera and you can safely maneuver around the vehicles, take pictures of the accident for later reference.
Leave the investigation up to the police and insurance companies. Be cooperative, but do not accept blame without talking to an attorney. If you have been sued by other drivers or are not properly compensated for personal injuries and vehicle damage, contact an automobile accident attorney immediately.
Additionally, call or see your physician if you have any health concerns.
