Newsletter

In Case of an Automobile Accident
Valuable Information for You and Your Family

FORWARD
The following is to be used only as a guide. If you have any legal problems, consult your attorney. Report to your insurance company promptly: failure to do so may affect your rights under your policy.

STOP

• Stop immediately and as close to the location of the accident as possible. State law requires it.

ASSIST THE INJURED

• Check immediately for injured persons
• If necessary, call a doctor or ambulance--whichever is quicker.
• Do not move injured person.

PROTECT THE SCENE

• Warn approaching vehicles with emergency flashers, flares, reflectors, or even a flashlight.

CALL AN OFFICER

• Notify the police, or county or state law officers at once. This is the law, and the official report may be helpful later.

COMMENTS

• Do not comment on the accident. Keep notes and information to yourself.
• Admit nothing and sign nothing.

ASSIST THE OFFICER

• Remain at the scene until the officer arrives.
• Cooperate by advising officer of the basic facts. No one can force you to give an opinion.
• Any statement you make may be used as an admission. You have the right to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
• Make a complete report to your insurance company.

IDENTIFY THE OTHER DRIVER

• Obtain the other driver's name, address, and vehicle registration number. Ask to see his driver's license. Note the number.

WITNESSES

• Obtain names and addresses of any and all witnesses
• Ask witnesses to sign a statement concerning the accident. (Always keep a pencil and pad, as well as this newsletter, in your glove compartment.)

TAKE NOTES, FILL OUT ACCIDENT INFORMATION FORM

• Make you own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning accident.
• Step off exact distances of skid marks and other important distances.
• Be certain that you can later point out where vehicles collided and where they stopped.
• If possible, take pictures to preserve skid marks, position of cars, and other physical evidence that will disappear.
• Fill out the Accident Information Form.

ARRESTS

• Arrest of the other party or yourself does not necessarily indicate liability. It cannot ordinarily be used in a damage suit.

WHEN TO LEAVE THE SCENE

• Unless injuries impel you to do otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have completed the previously outlined procedures.

INFORM INSURANCE COMPANY

• Failure to make a prompt and correct report may affect your rights.

For a downloadable version of this newsletter as well as the Accident Information Form, click Here.

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