Vehicle Accident Checklist

We'll say up front and repeat it the end of this Bulletin. Be careful driving - particularly on New Year's Eve when the roads are crowded with people driving too and from parties. (To lighten up the mood of this message, and since we've all viewed real accident videos, the above clip is of a Hollywood staged accident. Short but with some interesting mini-scenes.)

If the unfortunate occurs and you are involved in a vehicular accident, remember to take the below steps:

Medical care:

First, check yourself for injuries. Then, if you are CPR certified, attempt to determine if any other vehicle occupants, involved pedestrians... need your help.

Once everyone wellbeing has been accounted for;

Get information (especially important for a potential insurance claim).

The other driver's name, address, driver's license number, insurance information, and license plate number (check the plate's issuing state too).

If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses, and telephone numbers. (Make sure this information. E.g. not just a first name. Cases take time to resolve, people move...

Ask for a business card from the police officer who investigated the traffic scene. Also get the "incident number" so that you can obtain an accident report. Most officers will provide you with the information even if you don't ask.

Take note of the location—the road conditions, speed limits, traffic control devices, any ongoing construction or large debris, the weather, and the lighting. (Try to remember to always keep a disposable camera in the glove compartment. Nothing conveys the accident scene as well as an immediate on-site photographs).

Take note of how the accident happened.

It is important to note the direction and rate of travel of the vehicles involved, and what the cars are doing at the time of the accident.

Never admit liability.

Even if you believe you are at fault, do not admit liability. There may be other factors which you don't know that may turn the fault to the other driver. Do not make statements, on print or tape, to anybody at the accident scene, except for the police. Nevertheless, when speaking to the police, tell them only the facts of what happened. Let them make their own conclusion from the facts.

Seek medical care.

See a doctor. This is to eliminate the probability of the inability to obtain "no fault" benefits for your injuries. There are statutes in every state pertaining to what the insurance can cover. If you do not see a doctor, you might find later on that the insurance company or the other driver involved in the accident argue that your injuries were not related to the accident. In addition, the "adrenaline rush" from the accident can mask symptoms, which a physical examination can otherwise reveal.

Tell the doctor your symptoms--- any loss of memory, headache, blood or fluid in the ear, dizziness, disorientation, ringing in the ears, nausea, confusion, or any other unusual physical or mental feeling.

Above and beyond all, we wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year - just remember to take extra care while driving the next several days.

Stay safe,

Lina