Car accidents are without question a scary, stressful occurrence. Prepare yourself to collect all of the information you need by creating a form and keeping it stored in your vehicle. Having a list of information youíll need to collect will help you think straight and stay calm in the event of an accident. The more prepared you are for handling any issues, insurance companies, lawyers, and others involved, the better. Whatís more, make sure your auto insurance is always paid and up-to-date.
The information you collect at the scene of an accident can help with a police report, insurance claim, or possible court case. You should gather all information and write it down at the scene of the crime. Donít trust your memory. Make sure you write the information down as soon as you can. It can take months or longer to resolve claims, and your memory will fade over time ñ so write the information down immediately after the accident.
Information you should collect and write down at the scene of the accident includes:
- Name, address, phone number, and driverís license number of each driver involved
- License plate number, make, and model of each vehicle involved
- Name of automobile insurance company and policy number for each vehicle involved
- Name, address, and phone number of each witness
- Details on where and when the collision occurred, including the accident scene and conditions
- Details on any vehicle damage and/or injuries involved
- Police information
- Ambulance information
- Towing information
Never leave the scene of an accident until proper authorities have been notified. Find out if anyone involved has been injured before exchanging information, as someone's life may depend on it. Call for emergency assistance immediately if any injuries have occurred. Unless vehicles are blocking traffic, they should remain in the same positions as when they came to a stop after the accident. If vehicles have to be moved, note their positions beforehand.
Use the camera on your mobile phone, or if your phone does not have a camera, keep a disposable camera in your vehicle. A picture is worth a thousand words at the scene of an accident. Take pictures of the vehicles before they are moved off the roadway, the damage to vehicles, any injuries, vehicle debris, skid marks, or conditions that contributed to the accident. Itís also a great idea to take pictures of license plates of those involved, as well as those belonging to witnesses.
If the accident involves property or another vehicle that is unattended, you must make every attempt to contact the owner immediately. If you cannot contact anyone, you are required to leave a note with the following information: your name, address, phone number, and vehicle registration number. Then contact the police immediately to inform them of the accident.
If your car has been involved in an accident, bring it to Wiygul Automotive Clinic. An AAA-approved center for auto repair and maintenance, Wiygul Automotive Clinic specializes in complete foreign and domestic repairs and has been servicing the Burke, Virginia and Northern Virginia area since 1996.
