In Case of Accident
...dos & don'ts at the scene of a crash
Contrary to the old saying, what you don't know can hurt you, especially at the scene of an auto accident.
In fact, what you do and say immediately following your mishap can make an enormous difference in future legal proceedings and financial settlements – months or years later!
For example, some people talk to the other person's insurance company before they talk to attorneys Goodwin & Scieszka. This innocent mistake leaves them wide open for a high pressure interview, full of carefully-crafted questions. If you talk to the other person's insurance company before you call Goodwin & Scieszka, they can use your own words against you – distorting your testimony and slanting the facts to their advantage.
To help avoid costly mistakes, follow these simple guidelines:
First Things First
If there is any possibility that you have been injured in the accident, you should seek medical care and contact us immediately for advice. Give no statements, oral or written, to anyone except the police officer investigating your accident.
If You Are Hurt
If you have suffered physical injuries requiring hospitalization or medical care, you should realize that there are four possible ways to pay your bill. They are:
- Your own medical insurance.
- Your coverage under your own automobile policy.
- The other party's insurance company.
- Assigned claims through the Secretary of State.
As a result of the collision, you have the right to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical costs.
If you have suffered any physical injury, you may want to keep a detailed, daily diary. Include all doctor visits, prescriptions, contact with insurance company adjusters, how your injuries make you feel, what you can't do or what you now need help with, etc. The diary will help you recall all necessary information when the case is ready to move to trial or settlement negotiations.
Make a list of all damages you sustained in the crash. Take photographs of any bruising or scarring. In addition, take photos of the damage to your vehicle.
IN CASE OF ACCIDENT:
- DO NOT leave the scene of even a minor accident, unless you fear for your safety.
- DO NOT disavow injury to you or your passengers.
- DO NOT "Make a Deal" for damages.
- DO NOT accept an offer of cash, check or "private" settlement.
- DO NOT offer to pay anything, even if you think you are at fault.
- ALWAYS (when conditions permit) move to shoulder or other "safe area" to prevent further damage or injury.
- ALWAYS ask someone to summon police and seek medical assistance. Repeat at 5-minute intervals.
- ALWAYS obtain complete information from those involved (driver's license, insurance, and ownership information).
- ALWAYS obtain names of witnesses, including addresses and phone numbers.
To assist you in recording "at-the-scene" information, Goodwin & Scieszka have prepared a handy Accident Report Form to keep in your glovebox. For your free copy, call 1-888-GOODWIN (466-3946).
A Final Caution
We cannot stress enough the importance of being careful about whom you speak to after your collision. It is best to provide only the facts requested by the law enforcement officer, and do not discuss cause or fault with anyone. If your are injured, be sure to see a doctor, and contact our office as soon as possible after the accident. Let us help! For your free consultation, call Goodwin & Scieszka toll-free from anywhere, 24-hours a day at 1-888-GOODWIN (466-3946).
Call now for your free legal consultation
1-888-GOODWIN (466-3946)
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