Attorneys You Can Talk To!
Auto Accident Checklist
When you are hit by another vehicle many of us will not
remember the basic auto accident checklist of what to do. We at Doran, Beam
& Farrell have a simple word to assist you, “HELP”!
Health
Check to see if you or your passengers are injured. If there is any indication of injury or pain, call for medical help. If possible, check the other drivers. Immediately dial 911 and summon the police to the scene of the accident – regardless of whether there are injuries. Do not buy into the other driver’s promise to settle later.
Exchange
Get names and addresses of any independent witnesses. If possible, quickly obtain all information about the other drivers involved. Get names, car license numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Witnesses can make the difference in your case.
At the accident scene don not jump out of your car and say you are sorry and it is your fault before you have a chance to see if they ran a light or were driving recklessly. Why? If you come back later and say you were not at fault, the statements made at the scene may be held against you. It is best to not argue with anyone and simply exchange information while waiting for the authorities to arrive.
Look
Look at the accident scene. Note where your car is located and where other cars are located. Look to see if anything else could have contributed or caused the accident. Look for pieces of the vehicles. Write down your impressions as soon as possible.
Check to see if there are any witnesses nearby. Do you see anyone standing in their yard or outside a store watching the accident scene? Get their information and be sure to report it to the police.
Photograph
Use a camera or your cell phone to take photos of as much as you can. Capture the moment in pictures. Be sure to take photos of the damage to their cars as well as the scene.
Try to capture a picture of the vehicles before they are moved.
After you do those four (4) things, call our office to speak with a member of our team and scheduled your free consultation with an attorney! It is important to speak with an attorney before you give any statements to any insurance company or sign any releases or documentation from the insurance carrier regarding the claim.
Health
Check to see if you or your passengers are injured. If there is any indication of injury or pain, call for medical help. If possible, check the other drivers. Immediately dial 911 and summon the police to the scene of the accident – regardless of whether there are injuries. Do not buy into the other driver’s promise to settle later.
Exchange
Get names and addresses of any independent witnesses. If possible, quickly obtain all information about the other drivers involved. Get names, car license numbers, driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Witnesses can make the difference in your case.
At the accident scene don not jump out of your car and say you are sorry and it is your fault before you have a chance to see if they ran a light or were driving recklessly. Why? If you come back later and say you were not at fault, the statements made at the scene may be held against you. It is best to not argue with anyone and simply exchange information while waiting for the authorities to arrive.
Look
Look at the accident scene. Note where your car is located and where other cars are located. Look to see if anything else could have contributed or caused the accident. Look for pieces of the vehicles. Write down your impressions as soon as possible.
Check to see if there are any witnesses nearby. Do you see anyone standing in their yard or outside a store watching the accident scene? Get their information and be sure to report it to the police.
Photograph
Use a camera or your cell phone to take photos of as much as you can. Capture the moment in pictures. Be sure to take photos of the damage to their cars as well as the scene.
Try to capture a picture of the vehicles before they are moved.
After you do those four (4) things, call our office to speak with a member of our team and scheduled your free consultation with an attorney! It is important to speak with an attorney before you give any statements to any insurance company or sign any releases or documentation from the insurance carrier regarding the claim.
Auto Insurance Claim Types
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Call us today for a Free case evaluation
Attorneys You Can Talk To, Today!
Call your Pasco law team today for your free consulation (727) 846-1000