Auto Accident - What To Do Afterward

[Music] see [Music] [Applause] [Music] no matter how good a driver you are the chances are that someday you'll be involved in an auto accident a first impulse might be to run but running won't solve anything and besides leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense often more orderly thoughts will drift back about what to do and what not to do in the event of an auto accident your life and health are more important than the damage to the automobiles so immediately check yourself over for injuries each driver involved in an automobile accident is legally responsible for finding out if there are injuries and to offer assistance if necessary are you all right I think so lady yeah I think so well how's the damage I I didn't see it but oh look at the car oh if you are satisfied there are no injuries try to remove the vehicles from the roadway way to avoid a collision with oncoming traffic if the cars won't start direct traffic around the obstruction if you're lucky a passerby might volunteer to help but don't request it if he'd get hurt you could be held [Music] liable the next move is to exchange driver license information with the other driver in Most states the law requires that you you show your license to both the other driver and the injured take down the important data the driver's name address and driver's license number also take the car license number and the make model and color of his automobile this information can be valuable in case someone tries to substitute another vehicle when he makes out his insurance claim you see the O that yes I saw it obtain the names and addresses of witnesses before they leave the scene what a witness saw can be helpful in determining what actually happened if the other driver's story conflicts with your own thank you very much hello my name is Jack Oliver of Oliver and Jones it's not uncommon nowadays for a stranger to step up and offer legal assistance when this happens exercise Extreme Caution remember professional people don't solicit business in this manner also it's unwise to discuss the details of an accident or sign anything for anyone except the police or your insurance [Music] agent Mr wman are you okay if at any time you suspect an injury immediately ask someone to call the police yeah what happened well it's just a slight accident but uh the driver seem a police report to fall back on is a good precaution anytime you never know when a legal complication may arise while waiting for the police to arrive it's wise to jot down all the details you can remember while they're still fresh you should include the condition of the pavement weather and visibility approximate speeds of the vehicles and so on it'll all come in handy when you talk with the police and for filling out the accident report for the insurance company uh hello officer my name is Irving wasman just when the policeman arrives he'll ask to see each driver's identification and call the information into headquarters for verification don't you tell me again what happened Mr W the officer may also ask some questions about the accident and inquire about injuries always answer each of the officers questions frankly and factually to the best of your knowledge but be careful not to admit fault nor should you volunteer your own opinions about what you think happened just State the facts as you know them 421 Adam Charles x-ray at 33 300 drive if you're lucky enough to have a camera with you a couple of good pictures can save a lot of guesswork if a question arises later try to show important details like the general location of the accident where the vehicles came to rest how the debris is scattered and the skid marks a closeup should show the extent of damage to both vehicles pictures also make it easier to rec all details you may have forgotten in the excitement if you do not already have a list of emergency instructions it's a good idea to make one and keep it in your car such a list can be helpful in reminding you of what to do and what not to do if you become involved in an automobile accident here are some points to remember remain at the scene of the accident to leave at this time is a serious hit run offense if you suspect injuries assist the injured leave the cars where they are and call the police if there are fatalities disturb nothing and notify the police warn oncoming traffic to avoid compounding the accident but do so safely if there are no injuries remove the vehicles from the roadway if possible and play it safe notify the police anyway flares are dangerous they can ignite leaking gas or even fumes from a ruptured gasoline tank from a great distance for this reason most police and fire departments discourage flares except as a last resort show your driver's license to all other drivers the injured and to the police copy important information driver's license and auto license numbers and the descriptions of the automobiles involved snap a couple of pictures if you happen to have your camera with you get the names and addresses of witnesses and the injured don't discuss the accident with anyone except the police and your insurance agent notify your insurance agent immediately of any accident no matter how slight fight it's one of your best protections if someone later brings a fraudulent claim against you and be sure you know the agent is genuine before you discuss details state only the facts and admit fault to No [Music] One sign nothing except for positively identified authorities if your car damages someone else's car or property and you're unable to locate the owner leave your name and phone number in a safe but conspicuous place this is not only a courtesy it's the law a driver who flees the scene without leaving identification is just as guilty of a hit run offense as if he'd run down a pedestrian because some traffic laws may vary from place to place play it safe and familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations better still drive safely at all times no matter how much you know about taking care of yourself in an auto accident it's smarter to to prevent an accident than to have one [Music] [Applause] [Music]