Quad Motorcycle

Anybody who has ever driven a vehicle know that there is always some sort of risk of accident, whether it is their fault or the fault of someone else .  Whether that means a fender bender, getting rear-ended, or far worse, the threat of an accident is real and always there.

Although many people understand the risks of driving, the majority are not aware of the steps they should take immediately following an accident to ensure they are secure .  There are specific steps that drivers should take memorize in case they are faced with an automobile accident.

These precautions can be key when it comes time to deal with insurance agencies.  Make no mistake about it, insurance agencies will seekto block your claim every step of the way.  Following this checklist will go a long way if you have to take legal action against another driver or the insurance company

What to do on the scene of an automobile accident

straight off after a car accident , follow these steps:

1.   Stop your vehicle, but do not block traffic. Move to the side of the road if possible.
2.   Turn off your car’s ignition.
3.  Put on your hazard lights or put out other warning signs, such as road flares, if possible.
4. Ask if everybody in the vehicle is okay and immediately call for an ambulance if needed .
5. Call the police to report the accident. Tell the police if there are known injuries.
6. When the police arrive at the scene of the auto accident, cooperate fully with investigators.
7. Unless instructed by an officer to do so, do not touch or move debris from either vehicle.
8. Document the police officer’s information, including badge number, city and department.
9. If you believe the driver of the other automobile involved in the accident is under the influence of drugs or alcohol,notify the officer.
10. Do not discuss the accident with anyone, except the investigating police officer, your doctors, your own insurance representatives and your lawyer.
11. Make detailed notes of the scene of the auto accident, including full names, addresses, home phone numbers, work phone numbers and license plate numbers of all parties involved. Get the names of any witnesses to the collision.
12. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and any and all damage to all vehicles involved in the accident.  You may even keep a disposable camera in your vehicle for this specific use.
13. Be sure to note specific details about the auto accident before you forget, such as date and time and make of automobiles involved.
14. Make notes of statements made by the driver of the other vehicle involved in the auto accident.
15. Trade driver’s license and insurance information with the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident.

We hope that you or your family will never have to use this list , and maybe you will be the fortunate few that never get into an accident.  For those that do experience an accident and do have this list, they will be one step ahead of protecting their family and their future.

If you would like more information , visit our vehicle accident site.  Our site contains extensive resources discussing all aspects of vehicle accidents and what you should do to protect yourself from insurance companies and other drivers.

There you will also find a link to download or order your free copy of our book on vehicle accidents, The Insider’s Legal Guide Series- Biggest Mistakes Drivers Make After an Accident. 

Tags: automobile accident, car crash injury, dallas car crash attorney, Texas car crash lawyer