Steps To Follow After An Auto Accident
1- 6 Steps To Follow After An Auto Accident
TIP: Take a picture of the other drivers license plates in case they decide to drive off. In most cases this can be done with your cell phone.
1. Stop your car, no matter how minor the accident.
Most states law requires that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in personal injury, death, or property damage must stop his or her vehicle at the scene of the accident.
2. Assist any injured persons.
Your first duty, after stopping your car, is to assist any injured persons. Most states law requires that you render reasonable assistance to any injured person. If someone is seriously injured, call an ambulance. Make the injured person comfortable, but do not move them unless you know what you are doing.
3. Protect the scene.
If it is safe to do so, you are best off to not move the vehicles until after law enforcement has arrived. If the car poses a safety threat to other traffic if not moved, however, you should move it. Use common sense.
4. Call the police or highway patrol.
Most states law requires that drivers of vehicles involved in auto accidents resulting in personal injury, death, or total property damage of $500 or more, must immediately contact the local police department, highway patrol, sheriff’s department or other appropriate law enforcement agency by the quickest means available.
5. Identify the other drivers.
Be certain that you get the other driver’s address, telephone number and insurance information. Also be sure to write down the license plate number of the other vehicle.
6. Identify witnesses.
As soon as possible, get the names, addresses and telephone numbers from all witnesses. Although they should stay around until the police arrive, surprisingly often they leave beforehand. These witnesses may be critical to your claim, so get this information as soon as possible.
(Steps 7-13 next)
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