KAASS Tips: Automobile Accidents
Whether we like it or not we all will get into an accident throughout our lives. Even the most careful cannot avoid the actions of another driver.
Here are some tips to guide your way. What you should do immediately after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident.
1. STAY AT THE SCENE. Even if it is not your fault, fleeing the scene might result in criminal charges. You should pull to the side of the road if possible to avoid leaving the car in traffic lanes.
3. CALL THE POLICE. Even if it is a minor accident you should call the police to preserve the evidence. They will not always show up, especially if there are no bodily injuries. However, try to get them out to the scene for a police report.
- i. Driver’s license. Get driver’s license number, driver’s license name, driver’s license address, driver’s license expiration date and any restrictions on the driver’s license.
- ii. Registration Card. Get all the information from the vehicle registration card.
- iii. Insurance Card. Get all the information from the vehicle insurance card.
- iv. Description of the driver or passenger(s). Write down the description of the driver or passenger(s) in order to restrict them from claiming that it was someone else.
- v. License Plate. Write down and take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate number if possible.
- vi. Photographs. The more the merrier. Take as many pictures as you can. Include pictures of: the car, the scene, the damage, skid marks, the road condition, traffic signs, the passengers and most importantly the other driver.
- vii. Witnesses. Look for witnesses in the area. If their statements can help your case, get down their information immediately. Be nice and ask them if they are willing to be your witness. Try to keep them there until the police arrive so as their statement may be recording in the police report.
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY do not make any unnecessary statements at the scene, such as admitting liability. Contact an attorney to properly assess the liability question.
6. DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE REGARDING THE FACTS OF THE ACCIDENT. This includes adjusters or claimsman from either your insurance or the opposing insurance company who have contacted you asking for information.
7. DO NOT GIVE ANY STATEMENTS. No statements to anyone, recorded or not. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
8. STAY CALM AND CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in order to preserve your claim. A proper assessment of your rights will be conducted.
Now you know the initial steps you need to take when involved in an auto accident.
Be Safe, Be Just, Be Smart.
This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. KAASS LAW represents clients who have sustained injuries as a result of a automobile/car collision/accident in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, La Crecenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website.
