| What should I do if I am in a wreck? |
| The following are some basic rules
for protecting your rights if you are involved
in an accident. |
| 1) |
Stop. Never drive away without, even from
a minor “bump,” without making
certain whether there are injuries or damages.
Do not move your vehicle, even if the other
driver moves their car, until the police arrive.
The only exception is if your car creates a
traffic hazard likely to cause another accident.
Take any safety precautions available, including
flares at night, to warn approaching cars to
slow down.
|
| 2) |
If anyone is seriously injured, try to get
a doctor or an ambulance, whichever is quicker.
Meanwhile, make the injured person as comfortable
as you can without moving him/her in a way that
could add to the injury. |
| 3) |
Get necessary information, including the
other driver’s name, address, car license,
driver’s license, name of insurance company
and policy number. Be prepared to give the same
information to the other driver. Most states
have laws requiring drivers to share this type
of information, as well as provide it to the
police. |
| 4) |
Get the names and addresses of all witnesses.
This includes all persons involved in the accident,
as well as other drivers or bystanders who may
have observed the occurrence. Ask witnesses exactly
what they saw if you are able. In any event be
sure to get their name, address, telephone number
and place of employment. |
| 5) |
Make written notes. If you can make notes
at the scene, then do so. Otherwise, as soon
as you are able, make notes of exactly what happened.
Be as precise as possible, e.g., it is better
to note your exact speed than make a simple statement, “I
was driving the speed limit.” |
| 6) |
Report the accident immediately to the police
and your own insurance company. Every state requires
drivers to notify the police if there is personal
injury, death or property damage over a specified
amount (most often $500). |
| 7) |
Obtain the name or badge number of the investigating
officer. The police officer in charge will usually
give you a business card with this information
on it. |
| 8) |
Do not make impulsive comments. Anything
you say at the scene could be brought up later
by the other driver or the investigating officer.
Choose your words wisely. Never tell anyone you
are not injured. You may feel okay, but wake
up the next day unable to go to work. It is better
to say you are not currently experiencing any
symptoms (if indeed you are not), but that you
concerned whether you may have injuries given
the nature of the collision or the force of impact
between the cars involved. |
| 9) |
Seek medical attention immediately upon
feeling any pain, tightness, numbness or other
symptoms. The time lapse between the collision
and your seeing a doctor or health professional
can be very important. |
| 10) |
After the accident. Many states have so-called “no
fault” laws. Generally, this means your
own automobile insurance company will be responsible
for paying your initial medical expenses regardless
of whether you were at fault. Check your policy
or ask your agent about your coverage for “PIP” (personal
injury protection) benefits or “med-pay” (medical
expenses). Consult an attorney as soon as reasonably
possible. The sooner you have professional advice
working for you, the earlier you rights will
be protected. Early legal advice can have a substantial
effect on any settlement or recovery to which
you may be entitled. As a general rule, give
statements only to the police, your own attorney
and your own insurance representative. Again,
it is better to have the advice of counsel before
even making statements to your own insurance
company. Your company may be the same one insuring
the other driver. Remember, consultations are
provided at no charge. |
| Contact Us: |
Clyde & Wood
11600 College Blvd. Suite 201
Overland Park, KS 66209
(913) 663-4446 |
|
