WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING AN AUTO ACCIDENT

 

PRINT OUT AND KEEP THIS FORM IN YOUR GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND FILL OUT AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, IF YOU ARE ABLE. IF YOU ARE EVER IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT, YOU MAY BE TOO EXCITED OR DISORIENTED TO THINK CLEARLY. 

THIS FORM LISTS SOME OF THE INFORMATION YOU SHOULD RECORD AND WHAT YOU SHOULD DO FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT...

1. STOP

Where there is injury to person or damage to property in an accident, state law requires that the drivers of the vehicles involved immediately stop at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible. This should be done in a manner to avoid obstructing traffic any more than necessary.

2. HELP THE INJURED

To the extent that you are able to do so, you should attempt to help anyone who has been injured in an accident. If you are able, an ambulance should be called. Do not move an injured person as you may injure them further.

3. AVOID FURTHER ACCIDENTS

Do whatever is necessary to avoid further accidents. If the vehicles cannot be moved, someone should position them- selves further up the road to warn approaching vehicles. If flares or reflectors are available, place them on the road to warn oncoming traffic.

4. CALL THE POLICE

State law also requires that the drivers of vehicles involved in an accident resulting in injury to person or damage to property give immediate notice to the local police department or the nearest State Highway Patrol unit. You should remain at the scene of the accident unless your injuries require immediate hospitalization. Once the officer arrives, you should provide the officer with whatever information is requested of you. However, you do have the right to consult a lawyer before making any statements regarding the circumstances of the accident.

5. IDENTIFY THE OTHER DRIVER

You should obtain all the necessary information to identify the other driver including his/her name, address and license plate number of the vehicle involved in the accident.

6. GET WITNESS NAMES AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Try to get the names of any witnesses to the accident and their phone numbers or other information. Also, take note of any occupants in the other car, and get their information as well.

6. PHOTOGRAPHS

If you are able, you should take photographs of the accident scene while the vehicles are still there. You should obtain photographs of damage to your vehicle before it is fixed. You should also attempt to take photographs or have photographs taken of your injuries and of the accident scene. See my link for advice on how to take photographs of injuries and physical damage:   http://www.jjsassoc.net/Preserving_Evidencel.htm

7. LEGAL ADVICE

If the accident was caused by the negligence of another person and you were injured in the accident, you should seek the advice of an attorney for further action. DO NOT TALK TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER FROM THE OTHER DRIVER'S COMPANY OR SIGN ANY PAPERS FOR THEM WITHOUT FIRST SPEAKING TO AN ATTORNEY.

YOU HAVE RIGHTS...KNOW WHAT THEY ARE.

Call my office with any questions: 215-752-3732

www.jjsassoc.net