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What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Frank • November 9, 2011

Rescuers on Car Accident — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.

Clients are typically unsure of what to do if they get into a car accident. If you do get into an accident and are injured, mistakes along the way can make it difficult for a car accident lawyer to help get you the justice you deserve. Here are some helpful tips to make it clear what you should and shouldn’t do if you get into a car accident.

Parties

Gather information about each person involved in the accident. Get each person’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and date of birth. Notate the description of each person, i.e., what they are wearing, approximate height, weight, etc. If a party refuses to cooperate, then wait for the police to arrive. If the other party attempts to leave the scene, record their vehicle’s license plate number, i.e., write it down or take a photograph of the plate on your camera or cell phone. You may also use a voice recorder on your cell phone to gather this information.

Vehicles

Gather information about each vehicle. Write down the color, make and model of each vehicle. Take photographs of each vehicle using your camera or cell phone. Write down each vehicle’s license plate number. This is needed in case a driver attempts to leave the scene or gives you false information.

Insurance

Gather information about the parties’ vehicle insurance. Write down the name, address, and telephone numbers for all insurance companies. Note the policy numbers and the agent information as well. Have the driver show you his/her proof of insurance card. Take a photo of the card using your camera or cell phone. If the adverse party refuses to cooperate, then wait for the police to arrive.

Witnesses

Gather information about each witness, i.e., name, address, and all telephone numbers. Do not be shy! Contact any bystanders that may have seen the accident and get their information. These witnesses can be critical in the prosecution of your case.

Scene

Gather information about the scene. The best way to do this is to take photographs of the scene and any important objects on your camera or cell phone. Take photographs of any debris on the roadway or broken objects (be sure to do this safely). You can also draw the accident on a piece of paper or a Car Accident Information Form diagram (will provide this form in the future). This drawing allows you to note and label the positions of the vehicles, the direction they were traveling, and any traffic control devices, such as stop signs or traffic lights.

Checklist

Get immediate medical attention for anyone that may be injured. Tell the police officer about these injuries.
Call the police
Exchange information with all drivers
Get passenger and witness information
Take photos of the scene and vehicles with a camera or cell phone, preferably before the vehicles are moved from the roadway
Take all personal belongings from your vehicle before it is towed
Diagram the accident scene
ONLY discuss the accident with the police, NOT the parties
Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company until you have consulted with a qualified personal injury attorney
Do not sign anything from an insurance company until you have consulted with a qualified personal injury attorney
Talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer in your area. Call us toll-free for a free consultation (888) 873-6639 or email us at info@penneylaw.com.

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