Crash Course: A Car Collision Checklist

CRASH COURSE A CAR COLLISION CHECKLIST LEAVING THE M 1. REMAIN AT THE SCENE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW 2. CHECK FOR INJURY YOU Ок? 28% OF AUTO ACCIDENTS RESULT IN INJURIES #1 TYPE = NECK AND BACK INJURIES 1.99 million cases of whiplash per year М з. СALL 9-1-1 REPORT ACCIDENT • LOCATION • ANY INJURIES • VEHICLE DAMAGE 911 CALL M 4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION FQ LEGAL OBLIGATION Exchange: • Name, address, phone number • Insurance company and policy number TIP: BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT • Driver's license and license plate YOU SAY TO OTHER DRIVER number • Don't apologize • Don't admit fault 5. DOCUMENT THE SCENE TAKE PICTURES WITH CAMERA OR CELLPHONE OF: • Position of vehicles • Damage to vehicles or property • Diagram scene • Collect witnesses' names and phone numbers M 6. TALK TO INVESTIGATING OFFICERS • Be careful about what you say • Never admit fault • If other driver was negligent, say so - Documentation of negligence is admissible in court • Explain any injuries - Seek prompt diagnosis and care - Monitor your condition in following days or weeks • Many symptoms appear after 1+ days M 7. IMMEDIATELY CONSULT AN ATTORNEY • Confirm liability of other driver • Speak with insurance company - Don't speak to an insurance company without an attorney present or without previously consulting an attorney - Remember that you don't have to go to insurance company's auto shop • Let your attorney handle all legal matters - Focus on healing and your medical care INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY HA HABBAS & ASSOCIATES HABBAS & ASSOCIATES www.personalinjurysanjoseca.com SOURCES http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s1112.pdf http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/neck_injury.aspx http://www.accident-resource.com/medical/whiplash.asp