NEWSLETTER
In Case of an
Automobile Accident: Valuable Information for You and Your
Family
FORWARD:
The following is to be used only as a guide. If you have
any legal problems, consult your attorney. Report to your
insurance company promptly: failure to do so may affect
your rights under your policy.
STOP
• Stop immediately and as close to the location of the
accident as possible. State law requires it.
ASSIST THE
INJURED
• Check
immediately for injured persons
• If necessary, call a doctor or ambulance--whichever is
quicker.
• Do not move injured person.
PROTECT THE
SCENE
• Warn
approaching vehicles with emergency flashers, flares,
reflectors, or even a flashlight.
CALL AN OFFICER
• Notify the
police, or county or state law officers at once. This is
the law, and the official report may be helpful later.
COMMENTS
• Do not comment on the accident. Keep notes and
information to yourself.
• Admit nothing and sign nothing.
ASSIST THE
OFFICER
• Remain at the
scene until the officer arrives.
• Cooperate by advising officer of the basic facts. No one
can force you to give an opinion.
• Any statement you make may be used as an admission. You
have the right to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
• Make a complete report to your insurance company.
IDENTIFY THE
OTHER DRIVER
• Obtain the
other driver's name, address, and vehicle registration
number. Ask to see his driver's license. Note the number.
WITNESSES
• Obtain names
and addresses of any and all witnesses
• Ask witnesses to sign a statement concerning the
accident. (Always keep a pencil and pad, as well as this
newsletter, in your glove compartment.)
TAKE
NOTES, FILL OUT
ACCIDENT INFORMATION FORM
• Make you
own written notes on all significant circumstances
concerning accident.
• Step off exact distances of skid marks and other
important distances.
• Be certain that you can later point out where vehicles
collided and where they stopped.
• If possible, take pictures to preserve skid marks,
position of cars, and other physical evidence that will
disappear.
• Fill out the Accident Information
Form.
ARRESTS
• Arrest of the other party or yourself does not
necessarily indicate liability. It cannot ordinarily be
used in a damage suit.
WHEN TO LEAVE
THE SCENE
• Unless
injuries impel you to do otherwise, do not leave the scene
of the accident until you have completed the previously
outlined procedures.
INFORM
INSURANCE COMPANY
• Failure to
make a prompt and correct report may affect your rights.
For a downloadable version of this newsletter as well as
the Accident Information Form, click Here.