Get documents about "WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN CAR ACCIDENT ACCIDENT
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ACCIDENT ACCIDENT WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE
CHECKLIST CHECKLIST IN A CAR ACCIDENT
[] Obtain contact information of the [] Obtain contact Information from
at fault party: Witnesses:
Name____________________ Name Phone
Address
__________________________
________________________
Phone
_________________________ []Obtain Information of Officer(s):
[] Obtain vehicle information of the at Name ______________________
fault party Agency _____________________
Make []Call Insurance Company
_________________________ Name of Adjuster ______________
Model____________________ Phone #_____________________
Color_____________________ Claim #_____________________
Stephen A. Burroughs
License plate []Take Photographs (865)525-3773
#_____________________ All vehicles involved www.easttnlawyer.com
[] Obtain Insurance Information of Injuries to people involved
the at fault party: [] Contact Stephen A. Burroughs
Company (865)525-3773
No one expects to be in a car accident,
Name____________________ but many accidents happen every day.
www.easttnlawyer.com
Policy Statistics show that nearly all of us will
Notes:_______________________ be in a car accident at some time.
Number___________________ Knowing what to do when an accident
___________________________
happens is important. It can make all
___________________________ the difference if you, your family or
___________________________ friends are hurt and need help.
___
Get Medical Help Call 911 if anyone is Take pictures. “A picture is worth a File Necessary State Accident
hurt. Medical care within the first hour after an thousand words.” Today most of us have a Reports In most states, if anyone is injured or
injury is critical, so do not hesitate to allow an camera built into our cell phones. If you can, and there is significant property damage to the vehicles
it is safe, take pictures of the vehicles before they you must file a State Accident Report. The form,
ambulance to take you to the local ER, if needed.
are moved. Pictures of the damage and position with directions, can be obtained from the police
If your symptoms develop after you leave the of the vehicles can be very important. They can department.
scene, get yourself to an emergency room as soon prove how the accident happened and document
as possible and report all of your symptoms to the force of the collision. This can be helpful Do Not Discuss Fault Do not blame the
the treating doctor. Delays in getting treatment evidence if the accident caused any injuries. If other driver even if they were clearly at fault. It
you are not able to take pictures, ask one of your may just start an argument. But, if the other driver
can not only put your health at risk, but can also admits it was their fault, make a mental note of it.
make it harder to get fairly compensated for your passengers who is alright, or a witness, to do it
for you. After you get emergency care and are When you get home, jot down precisely what you
injuries, when you later make a claim. remember them saying. Even if you feel you may
home, remember to take pictures of your injuries
have been partially at fault, do not say anything
Notify the Police In most states this is – any cuts, bruises or bandages, and any casts or
crutches. It is particularly important to take a that admits your feeling. "Fault" is often a complex
required by law before you can leave the scene if determination based on the facts and complicated
picture of any seat belt bruise on the front of your
anyone is injured, or there is any significant laws. Leave that issue for your attorney to sort out.
shoulders and chest. This bruise may not develop
property damage. It’s a mistake to just exchange right away. Taking a picture of it can keep the Protect Your Rights To protect your rights
names and phone numbers with the other driver other side from claiming that you were not you must act quickly after a motor vehicle
and leave the scene. Call the police. Be sure to get wearing a seat belt. accident. Deciding fault can be complicated.
the name of the officer at the scene and write it Call Your Insurance Agent All Insurance coverage, and how you will get your
down. insurance policies require you to notify your medical bills paid, can be very confusing and
insurance company. This must be done shortly frustrating. Insurance adjustors may call and ask
Get contact information from the you to give them a tape recorded statement. You
after the accident. Unnecessary delay in telling
other driver or drivers. Write down your insurance company about the crash can should never do this without first consulting with a
their name, address and phone number. Make a result in a denial of your claim. lawyer. You may have many questions about your
rights, and your obligations to insurance
note of the color, make and model of the other Identify Witnesses Get the names and representatives. You may have questions whether
vehicles, and the license plates if you can. The contact information of anyone who saw the the insurance companies are treating you fairly.
police officer can help you get all this accident. If you can, do this quickly. Often, Don’t jeopardize your rights. CALL AN
information, and will often have a form for you to people who saw the collision will stop for a short EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY who specializes in
exchange with the other driver(s) involved. Do time, but leave before the police arrive. Other accident and injury claims for advice and answers
not be afraid to ask such information, or for the motorists, passengers or pedestrians can be to your questions.
critical witnesses. Get their name and phone
form.
number.
