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Call 911. Make sure you and your passengers are all okay. 911 will help determine if you need an ambulance along with the police car. Follow the instructions you are given by emergency personnel. Find a safe place to wait for help to arrive. Don't move cars unless in danger. |
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If it is a serious
wreck with injuries and property damages, there will be police and insurance
investigators Turn on your hazard lights. If you have safety triangles, cones or road flares, use them. Make sure other vehicles on the roadway can see there is a wreck and avoid you. |
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Remain calm.
Everyone is under a lot of stress after an accident. Try not to engage in any arguments. If someone appears to be overly excited, wait for the police to talk to them. If you think the other driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not discuss the matter with them, instead, privately inform the police when they arrive. |
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Make sure you get this
information from the other driver: • Name • Address • Phone number • License plate number • Driver's license number • Insurance company and policy number |
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Use your cell phone
as an information-gathering tool. SNAP pictures
with your cell phone camera of the position of the cars, of the other
driver’s license, plate number and any other photos that may clarify what
happened. CAPTURE video of the scene if
your cell has those capabilities and TEXT
facts and your thoughts about what happened to someone you trust…your
spouse, your parents, a friend or a lawyer while it is fresh in your mind.
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Identify any witnesses
to the accident and get their contact information. Name, address,
phone, & email. |
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Do
not admit fault but answer questions from police as factually as
possible. Get police officer name & badge number. Ask for a copy of any
report available or the “Case Number” or any identifying paperwork. |
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Contact your insurance company
and report the claim. |
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See a doctor.
It’s hard to know sometimes if you are just stiff after an accident or you
have sustained an injury that will get worse. Get checked out by your doctor
and document any discomfort and pain you are experiencing after the wreck. |
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Call a lawyer.
Many times there are deadlines for documents to be filed or an insurance
company is pressuring you to “sign off’ on your wreck before you even know
the realities of personal or property damage. An experienced attorney can
guide you through the process and make sure you get the compensation you
deserve. |
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In case of an
emergency, it is helpful to have the following items /
information in your car:
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