What important steps should I follow if I have been in an auto accident?
Stop your car and turn off your engine to minimize the risk of fire.
Get out of your vehicle, out of traffic, and out of further danger. If possible, collect information about the accident at the scene, or as soon after as is practical. Help the injured at the scene of the accident.
Call 911 for police or medical assistance. Even if there are no apparent injuries, police may be necessary to handle traffic and clear the accident scene. They will also fill out an important accident report, so let them know if any party is injured, or has left the scene. If the police fail to arrive at the scene, go to the local police department to file a report. If the other vehicle left the scene of the accident, try to give the police whatever information you can about the vehicle (license plate number, description of vehicle and driver).
Exchange Information no matter who is at fault. Gather the following info from the other driver(s) involved:
* Name
* Address
* Telephone Numbers
* Drivers License Numbers
* Insurance Company
* Vehicle Year, Make, Model, Plate Number
Document time and place of accident, weather and road conditions, and other circumstances of the accident. Get names and contact info of witnesses and passangers, and the police officer's name, badge and department telephone number.
Don't sign anything except a police citation, ticket or report. Signing other documents may jeopardize your rights.
Call your insurance company and give them all the information you have collected. If you were injured or if your car was damaged, your insurance company needs to be notified proptly in order to conduct an investigation into the claim. Your claim will probably be denied by the insurance company if there is late or no notice. Ypu may want to follow up with a written notice.
Don't discuss the accident at the scene. Except for giving necessary details to police, medical personnel, your insurance company, or your attorney. Especially avoid discussion about the accident with insurance companies or lawyers representing others. Refer inquiries to your insurance company, your doctor, or your attorney.
You can print this page for future reference, to be placed in your glove box in case of an emergency. Or you can download the entire form to be printed and placed inside all of your vehicles. In an emergency - don't panic. Just simply follow the instructions.
Auto Accident Personal Injury Claim
Auto Accident Personal Injury Claim
