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 ifthe 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. Use your cell phone to record this data.
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.
PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENE
If you have a camera phone take pictures of the scene, preferably showing the position of the vehicles at impact, if possible. Do not move your vehicle until you have obtained a photo showing the position of the vehicles. Also, if possible, get a photo of the damage to the other vehicle and its’ position at impact .
WHEN TO LEAVE SCENE
Unless your injuries impel you to do otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accidentuntil 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. Health Insurance and Automobile Medical Pay Insurance will pay for
Medical or chiropractic examination and treatment. The other party’s liability carrier will not pay these expenses until ordered to do so by a court of law. You will need to consult an attorney before accepting any offer of settlement.
CALL YOUR LAWYER
Your lawyer will be able to assist you and guide you through this tough time. His or her experience will be invaluable to you in protecting you from being exploited by the other party’s insurance representatives during your time of disorientation following the accident. DO NOT GIVE ANY STATEMENTS TO anyone without first consulting your attorney.
INFORM INSURANCE COMPANY
Make a complete report to your insurance company. Failure to make a prompt and correct report may affect your rights.
Law Office of Ernest J. Maurizi Jr.
1025 Ogden Avenue, Suite 205
Lisle, IL 60532
(630)-960-5966
(6300 968-2341 fax
ejm@maurizilaw.com
www.maurizilaw.com
ACCIDENT INFORMATION FORM
Fill Out This Form at the Scene of the Accident
THE OTHER DRIVER AND HIS CAR
Name of other driver:
Street address:
City/State:
Vehicle registration number:
Year, make and type of car:
Driver’s license number:
Insurance Company:
Address:
Policy No.:
Has he apparently been drinking?:
Any verbal statement made by driver as to the cause of the accident?:
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF PASSENGERS IN YOUR CAR
Name:
Address
City/State:
Name:
Address
City/State:
Name:
Address
City/State:
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ALL POSSIBLE WITNESSES TO ANY FACT
Name:
Address
City/State: