Car accidents occur on the heavily traveled roads and highways of Southern California every day. When car accidents result in serious personal injuries to drivers, passengers or bystanders, they can have devastating consequences. It is important to do the right things after an auto accident so that the health and safety of the victims are assured, and so any future claims for personal injuries and damages are properly secured. The following checklist is a guide to what victims should do after a car accident:
1. Check for injuries and immediately call 911 if anyone is hurt. Seek all necessary emergency medical attention.
2. Safely get out of the way of traffic, and activate your emergency flashers to warn other cars of your stopped vehicle.
3. Call the police if the auto accident involves damage, injury or death.
4. Try to take photos of the vehicles involved, skid marks, the debris from the accident and the accident scene before any vehicles are moved.
5. Be wary about what you say concerning the accident as those statements may be used against you if they are unfavorable. If the other driver makes any statements that are favorable to you, it is best if you can get them to write it down, or if others hear those statements, as you can use that against them.
6. Write down all the car accident information, including the following: date, time, location and accident scene.
7. Exchange complete information with the other driver, including the following: name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail, driver’s license number, vehicle year, make, model, license plate number, VIN number, insurance company name, address, telephone number, policy number, etc.
8. Obtain all witness information, including the following: name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail, and have them write down any favorable statements about how the accident happened.
9. Obtain all police officer information, including the following: name, address, telephone numbers, badge numbers, police report number and how you can get a copy of the police report.
10. Speak to an attorney who specializes in personal injury car accident cases before speaking to any insurance companies or to others. If police are present at an accident scene, you must speak with them but me mindful about what you say as any unfavorable statement you make may be used against you.
11. Feel free to contact KAYE LAW OFFICES who can handle your personal injury claim for you, and do all that is necessary to maximize your recovery.
