You've been involved in a traffic accident. Now what do you do?
 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

Step 1: Stop, It’s the Law!

If you are involved in an automobile accident, California law requires you to stop at the scene and exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident. Call the Highway Patrol or local police or sheriff’s office and report the accident.

Step 2: Call Law Enforcement

Depending on which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction and the nature of injuries that you report, law enforcement may send officers to the scene. If the police or sheriff’s office believes that no serious injuries were sustained, they may decide not dispatch officers to the scene or make a report; instead they will advise you to exchange information and report the accident to your insurance carrier. If you do notice any injuries at the scene, be certain to inform the CHP, Police or Sheriff’s office. Such notification will make it more likely that law enforcement personnel will actually arrive at the scene and write a report.

Step 3: Get Information

Ask to see every drivers’ insurance cards and drivers’ licenses, then write down the names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance information for each driver at the scene. Take the time to look at and record vehicle license and vehicle identification numbers of every vehicle. Obtain the names and contact information of every witness present, favorable or unfavorable. Ask the witnesses to describe what they saw. Be polite even if you disagree with what the witness says. If possible, be the last to leave so you will not be surprised later by “witnesses” you never saw at the scene of the accident

Step 4: Take Pictures

Make a mental note of the location and extent of any damage to your vehicle as well as the other vehicles involved in the accident. If you have a camera or cell phone camera in your car or on your person, take pictures which show the point of impact, surrounding areas and damage to those vehicles. Vehicle pictures should be taken to show the license numbers of each vehicle.

Step 5: Do Not Admit Fault

Never admit fault to anyone, including law enforcement personnel even if you think your actions may have contributed to the accident. Fault is a legal term and factors that you may be unaware of may have contributed to or caused the accident. California is a comparative negligence state; even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Step 6: See A Doctor

Paramedics may arrive to treat your injuries. Even if the paramedics determine that immediate hospitalization is not required, do not delay in following up with medical attention on your own after leaving the scene of the accident; go to your nearby hospital emergency room, private physician or walk in clinic as soon as is reasonably practical. Do not ignore minor physical complaints after an accident; they may be symptoms of a more serious medical problem.
 

       

 

Article by Attorney David Laurence Altman  -  Copyright 1999-2009 all rights reserved

  

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What To Do If You've Been Involved In A Traffic Accident
What You Should Do At The Scene Of The Accident
What You Should Do After The Accident - Part 1
What You Should Do After The Accident - Part 2