| Have you been in a car accident? Here are some | | | | 11. Do not refuse to sign a traffic ticket. It is only a |
| helpful suggestions: | | | | promise to appear in court to explain your side of the |
| 1. Make a diagram of the accident, and take down all | | | | story. |
| pertinent information from drivers, passengers and | | | | 12. Do not move injured persons, unless leaving them |
| witnesses. | | | | alone would cause greater danger to their health and |
| 2. Take pictures of visible damage to your auto and of | | | | safety. |
| visible injury to your body. | | | | 13. Do not allow witnesses or passengers to leave the |
| 3. Call police to have them come to the accident | | | | scene of the accident until they have been properly |
| scene to make a report. Tell police about any injuries | | | | identified, and a statement has been taken from them. |
| that you may have from the accident. If police refuse | | | | Be sure you have their name, address and phone |
| to send someone to the scene, go to the nearest | | | | number. |
| police station and file a report. | | | | 14. Do not move cars until a record can be made of |
| 4. Go to a doctor to have your injuries evaluated. | | | | how the accident occurred. |
| 5. Call the insurance companies to report the accident. | | | | 15. Do not admit fault, discuss opinions, or offer |
| 6. Have your auto damage estimated at a quality | | | | information about the accident to other drivers, |
| repair facility. | | | | attorneys, or insurance companies other than your |
| 7. Keep daily logs of your medical condition, mental | | | | own. |
| stress, etc. Make notes of your visits with doctors and | | | | 16. Do not allow insurance companies to treat your |
| therapists. | | | | claim unfairly. |
| 8. Keep track of time missed from work and, if | | | | 17. Do not withhold any information from your attorney. |
| self-employed, keep track of profits lost, because of | | | | All communications with her are privileged and |
| the car accident. | | | | confidential. |
| 9. See a personal injury attorney before signing any | | | | Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational |
| bodily injury releases from insurance companies. | | | | purposes only; be sure to consult an experienced |
| 10. Do not fail to stop and exchange information with | | | | accident attorney about specific matters that pertain |
| other drivers. Penalties for "hit-and-run" driving are quite | | | | to your case. |
| severe. | | | | |