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ACCIDENT SCENE FACTS
FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER after an accident:
1. Call 9-1-1 right away
Whether you're hurt or not, you should always call 911 and report the accident. There are many times where both parties make some sort of “gentleman’s agreement”, and let the insurance company handle things, but not to report the wreck to the police. This is a big mistake for the following reasons:
- How do you know their insurance is up to date? or even real?
- Someone may be in need of medical attention.
- If you don’t get a police report documented, what proof do you have it even happened.
2. NEVER leave the scene of the accident
- Regardless if the accident wasn’t a bad one or if it was, you should never leave the scene of a accident.
- You should always check on the other driver or passengers if you’re able.
- You should always exchange insurance information and report it to law enforcement. If you don’t, in some states its a crime.
3. Maintain control of your emotions
- A car crash is never a fun experience. Moments after a car crash your nerves and emotions are usually at there highest, and you may even be hurt. It’s never a good idea to lose your cool at the driver that caused the accident.
- When your dealing with the other driver always ask ” are you ok?” Don’t start yelling at them and blaming them for everything. You need to be in a good frame of mind to asses the situation and do everything you need to do in terms of documenting the accident.
- Never tell people it’s your fault at the scene of an accident. At that point, you’re legally admitting liability for the accident. Always stay calm, cool, and collective. Be positive!
4. Write EVERYTHING down at the scene of the accident
So you’re at the scene of the accident, you called 911 and you’re keeping your cool. Now you must clear your head and remember what happened just before the accident. What were you doing just before the crash? What street were you on? What direction were you heading? When did you notice the driver? You must remember this information because the police are going to report whatever you tell them.
- Drivers name
- Address
- Insurance company’s name and policy number
- What make, model, and color of the car
- The other drivers license plate number
- Any witnesses? If so, get their name, number, address, and a relative’s name and number
- Take lots of pictures of both cars
5.Seek medical treatment and legal advice
Car wrecks are never easy, but the hardest part comes after. This includes getting legal advice and medical treatment. It takes awhile before your nerves settle down after a car wreck. If you have pain or persistent healthcare problems since the wreck happened, you must go see a doctor right away. If you don’t have insurance go to the hospital. If you’re still in pain after the hospital, there are personal injury clinics that will see you without insurance. You may also want to get in touch with a lawyer if your facing big medical bills or don’t know what to do. Most attorneys provide a free consultations.
You must let your insurance company know right away. Most insurance companies have time limits on when a claim can be filed. It’s best to know what your insurance covers ahead of time. You don’t want to pay for a rental with your own money. Also, you have the right to get your car repaired at any shop you want.
What to write down:
- The speed you were driving
- The current road conditions (wet, dry, sun glare)
- Whether there were any distraction that came into play such as pedestrians, the other driver was texting or on the phone. Did you hit a pothole or were there road obstructions missing? A picture is worth a thousand words or even thousands of dollars.
Take pictures of the following:
- Angles and differences of your cars damage
- Include interior and exterior
- Photos of skid marks
- Take photos of the other driver’s license & license plate