| Every year, there are more than 6 million car accidents | | | | happened. |
| in the United States, and knowing what to do if you | | | | 8. |
| are involved in one of them is essential to your safety | | | | Damage to all vehicles, and time and date of the |
| -- both physically and financially. | | | | accident (you may even want to draw a quick sketch |
| When the Accident Occurs | | | | of how the cars ended up on the road). |
| The first thing you should do is stop. Each state has | | | | 9. |
| their own penalties for fleeing the scene of an | | | | Names and addresses of witnesses to the accident. |
| accident, but if you don't stop you could be later | | | | Call Your Insurance Agent Checklist: What to Do in an |
| charged with a "hit and run." | | | | Auto Accident ;"> Stop and pull out of the way of |
| Next, assess the scene with safety in mind. If the | | | | traffic (if possible). ;"> Call the police. ;"> Check for |
| accident is minor and no one is seriously injured, pull the | | | | injuries and help those you can. ;"> Warn other drivers |
| car to the side of the road, out of the way of traffic. | | | | using your hazard lights. ;"> Collect the necessary |
| If people are hurt, do your best to help them. Call the | | | | information: names, addresses, phone numbers and |
| police and tell them you need an ambulance. If you | | | | insurance information of those involved; accident, |
| have first-aid training, administer it, but if not, don't move | | | | vehicle and injury descriptions; names and addresses |
| someone who is injured, as you could make their | | | | of witnesses. ;"> Do not admit fault, accept liability or |
| injuries worse. The exception here is if staying put will | | | | argue with other drivers. ;"> Make sure the police fill out |
| harm the person further (such as a car fire) -- then | | | | an accident report. ;"> Call your insurance agent and |
| move them away from the danger. | | | | report the accident. ;"> See a doctor if you suspect |
| Remain Calm | | | | you have injuries. ;"> Make a claim with your (or the |
| You should always call the police, no matter how minor | | | | other driver's) insurance company. ;"> Contact a |
| the accident. The police will fill out an accident report, | | | | lawyer if you are sued or need advice in making a |
| which is essential to protecting your rights later -- | | | | claim/dealing with your insurance company. |
| particularly if you're involved in an accident with an | | | | After you have spoken with the police and an |
| uninsured motorist. | | | | accident report has been filed, you should call your |
| Make sure that you turn your hazard lights on to let | | | | insurance agent, as soon as possible. The sooner you |
| traffic know that there has been an accident. You | | | | do this, the sooner your agent can begin processing |
| may also want to set out flares or put the hood on | | | | your claim. Further, if you delay reporting the accident, |
| your car up to alert others. If you don't attempt to | | | | if could affect your coverage. Some states also |
| warn other drivers of the accident, you could be liable | | | | require that you report the accident to the Department |
| for damage to their vehicles. | | | | of Motor Vehicles. |
| Meanwhile, stay calm. Do not argue with or yell at the | | | | After the Accident |
| other driver, as anything you say could later be held | | | | You and your passengers may wish to get a |
| against you. Do not say that the accident was your | | | | check-up with a doctor if you suspect you may be |
| fault or admit any type of responsibility to witnesses or | | | | injured. Injuries from vehicle accidents do not always |
| others involved in the accident. You should wait for the | | | | show up immediately. Certain circumstances may also |
| police to come, and only discuss the accident with the | | | | warrant you calling a personal injury lawyer, to discuss |
| police and your insurance agent. | | | | your rights and entitlements or your liability in the |
| Get the Right Information | | | | accident. |
| Although you will likely be shaken up immediately | | | | When to Call a Lawyer |
| following an accident, it's essential to make a note of | | | | Most people like to resolve things as quickly and as |
| the following information: | | | | simply as possible, but there are times when calling a |
| 1. | | | | lawyer is beneficial and even necessary. These |
| Names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone | | | | include: |
| involved in the accident. | | | | If a claim is made against you that exceeds your |
| 2. | | | | insurance coverage. |
| A description of the car involved (make, model, year, | | | | To recover medical expenses or other losses that |
| color) | | | | exceed a certain amount of money (depending on |
| 3. | | | | state). |
| License plate number of the other car. | | | | To recover compensation for pain and suffering for a |
| 4. | | | | serious injury. |
| Vehicle identification number of the other car. | | | | To recover compensation for a death. |
| 5. | | | | To recover compensation from an uninsured driver. |
| Insurance company, policy number and driver's license | | | | An auto accident can take a mental, physical and |
| number of the other driver. | | | | emotional toll on everyone involved. To make the |
| 6. | | | | roads safer for everyone, drive courteously and alertly, |
| The name of the car's owner (if other than the driver). | | | | and, if you like, check out these safe driving tips from |
| 7. | | | | the State of Illinois' "Rules of the Road. |
| The exact location of the collision and how it | | | | |