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Auto Accidents
What To Do In Case of
An Auto Accident
CAUTION
If you are ever in an auto
accident you may be too excited or shocked to think clearly at the
moment because accidents happen to the best of drivers. Many legal
troubles arising from accidents could be avoided or lessened if the
persons involved knew in advance what they should do.
STOP
State law requires that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident
wherein a person is injured or damage is done to some property shall
immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to
the scene as possible without obstructing traffic more than is
necessary.
ASSIST THE
INJURED
Your first duty after stopping your car is to check for injured persons.
If someone is seriously injured, try to make arrangements for a doctor
to come to the scene or call an ambulance, whichever is quicker. Do not
move the injured person unless you know what you are doing. Good
intentions on your part may result in further injury to the victim.
PROTECT THE
SCENE
Take all possible precautions to prevent further accidents. Try to have
someone stationed to warn approaching vehicles and, if at night and
flares and reflectors are available, put them out or have it done.
CALL AN OFFICER
Give notice of the accident to the local police department if the
accident occurs within a city or, if it occurs outside city limits, to
the office of the County Sheriff or to the nearest station of the State
Highway Patrol. Do not comment on the accident.
Keep your notes and information strictly to yourself. State law requires
only that you give your name, address and registration number of the
vehicle you are driving and automobile insurance information. Also, that
you exhibit your chauffeur's or operator's license, if applicable.
ASSIST THE
OFFICER
Remain at the scene, unless injured, until the officer arrives.
Cooperate with the officer by advising him of the basic facts briefly.
IDENTIFY THE
OTHER DRIVER
Obtain the other driver's name, address, and the registration number of
the vehicle he is driving and request him to exhibit to you his driver's
license.
WITNESSES
Obtain the names and addresses of any and all witnesses as soon as you
can-both eyewitnesses and all others who might have some information
about any of the circumstances of the accident.
ARRESTS
An arrest at the scene of the other party or yourself does not
necessarily indicate liability. Any statement made may be used as an
admission, so it is important that you contact your lawyer as soon as
possible before making any statements.
WHEN TO LEAVE
SCENE
Unless your injuries impel you to do otherwise, do not leave the scene
of the accident until you have, as outlined previously, assisted the
injured, protected the scene, called an officer and assisted him,
identified the other driver, obtained the names, addresses, and
statements of all witnesses, made notes, and filled out the Accident
Information Form at the end of this folder.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
OR CHIROPRACTOR
Remember that serious and costly injuries do not always result in
immediate pain or bloodshed. Automobile liability and automobile Medical
Pay Insurance will pay for Medical or chiropractic examination and
treatment.
INFORM INSURANCE
COMPANY
Make a complete report to your insurance company. Failure to make a
prompt and correct report may affect your rights.
Fill Out This Form at
the Scene of the Accident
ACCIDENT
INFORMATION FORM
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