If An Accident Happens

DO NOT ADMIT FAULT TO OTHER DRIVER OR ANYONE ELSE!

Don’t accept responsibility; generally in situations like this, it is one of the drivers fault. An adjuster for another driver’s insurance company will use any admission of fault against you, ESPECIALLY in a police statement. Tell the truth, state the facts, but don’t take any blame.

· Stop your car in a safe place close to the accident if it is drivable; if not safely get out if you can.

· Call for help then help the injured people, if you injured let someone know.

· Make sure your vehicle is not leaking gas that could ignite.

· Turn off engine; check yourself and passengers for any injuries.   

 

· Alert other motorists by using flares, or hazard lights. In most accidents other drivers will stop and want to help if your injured ask them to help alert other motorist with flares or hazard lights, and by calling 911.

 

· It is important that you call 911 for an ambulance if someone is insured the 911 dispatcher will contact the Police, Highway Patrol, or county sheriff. If a death occurs or someone is trapped in their vehicle call for help or have someone call for you as soon as you can or someone around you can.

 

· If you are able take notes on the accident and write down information about the other driver, car, witnesses, passengers, accident location and what happened. If you have a camera, take pictures of the vehicles getting license plates, or ask someone to take picture if you are unable. Ask to see the other driver's license, car registration and insurance. If the other driver says they do not have any one item with them, call a law enforcement agency immediately. It is your right to see the information and copy it down so you have record.

 

· Make sure you write down the license plate of the other vehicle and driver's license number, along with addresses, phone and work numbers. Always Cooperate fully with law enforcement officers, but do not admit fault.

 

· Speak with your insurance agent and/or lawyer before accepting any blame. Admitting blame will raise your insurance rates and could come back at you in other ways. If asked if you were at fault, say you do not know as it all happened so fast. Avoid the questions if it is repeated. Simply state I do not know who is at fault. It will have to be determined from the accident report. This is not lying but avoiding blame until it is determined from the accident investigation.

 

· Know your legal rights. Someone might say, "I do not want to turn this accident into my insurance company and we can work out. I will pay for the damages". If you say yes, you are taking a chance that you will get paid for your car's damage, and limiting yourself in case any injury shows up later. It is always beneficial to contact a personal injury attorney if you have been injured in any way. Car accidents involve the unique provisions of Insurance Law. It  is important to contact a MVAA attorney to cover yourself. Our web information is a guide for you to know what to do.