Car Accident Check List

Let’s face it, it happens to all of us, accidents. Every time we get behind the wheel we do everything we can to prevent them, but it is sometimes out of our control. From a small fender bender to a complete smash up… we all need to know WHAT to do at the accident scene. After doing some on-line research, I found an “Auto Accident Checklist” from Michigan Auto Law that we could all follow!

The following auto accident checklist is one of 3 guides developed by Michigan car accident lawyers to protect and prepare Michigan drivers. All too often car accident victims tell attorneys they regret not being better prepared for what to do at the scene of an accident. This outline briefly reviews the most important steps recommended by auto accident attorneys.

1.   Stay Calm and Assist Injured Passengers– Survey the scene for injuries.    
Immediately call an ambulance for any injured individuals.  Do not move injured passengers unless it is necessary to avoid further injury. 

2.   Call the Police – Even if the accident appears to be minor, it is extremely important to call the police immediately in order to file a report.

3.   Document ALL Injuries – Often times, very serious injuries are not experienced immediately after the accident.  Make a detailed list of all injuries and pain you and other passengers are experiencing, even if it seems to be minor at the time.

4.   Write Down as Much Information as Possible – It is important to document as much information at the accident scene as possible because all too often, the driver who caused the accident will change his or her story along the way.  Additionally, errors may appear in the police report and documentation by the individual involved can be vital in correcting these mistakes.  If possible, make note of the following information:

• All injuries that you or your passenger(s) experienced as a result of the accident.
• The exact location here the accident occurred.
• The time, weather conditions and direction motor vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident.
• A description of how the accident occurred
• License plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident.
• Nature of any damage to vehicles that existed before the accident.  For example, broken tail lights or bad tires.
• Nature of any damage to vehicles that occurred as a result of the accident,  including whether any vehicles had to be towed from the scene.
• Statements by other drivers admitting responsibility for the accident.
• Name, badge number and phone number of all police officers who arrive at the accident scene.
• Name, address, phone number, drivers license number (including expiration date), registration and insurance information (including policy number) of all other drives involved in the accident.
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses who observed the accident and/or arrived at the accident scene, including passengers involved in the accident.

5.   Photograph the Scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, if you can do so safely.  If possible, take photos from multiple angles and locations.  Be sure to photograph:

• Vehicle damage
• Injured drivers/passengers
• Skid marks on the roadway, next to a measuring stick, shoe or other object so that the size of the marks can be estimated.  This is important because skid marks fade within days.
• The roadway or intersection where the accident occurred

6.       Cooperate with Police, but Speak with an Attorney before Accepting Responsibility for the Accident — Avoid speaking with anyone, other than police, about your car accident.  Do not accept responsibility for the accident and do not blame others.

7.       Do not Leave the Scene of the Accident – It is important to remain at the accident scene, unless you are being transported to the emergency room by ambulance, until all other drivers and police have left.

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Now check out THIS link!! This is Car Accident Checklist: Immediately Following the Accident. The following car accident checklist is a brief outline of the most important things to do immediately following an auto accident. Timing is critical, particular in Michigan, where no fault law has made it increasingly difficult for victims to be compensated fairly for accident-related injuries.

http://www.michiganautolaw.com/caraccidents/caraccidentchecklist.php

 

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