We sincerely hope that you and your family will enjoy safe motoring, free from accident. If however you do have an accident, to protect your legal rights, the following suggestions may be helpful:
At The Accident Scene -
1. Stop . . . do not leave the scene of the accident
(a) DIRECT OTHER TRAFFIC around the accident.
(b) HELP THE INJURED but don't move them unless absolutely necessary.
(c) CALL THE POLICE, tell them where the accident occurred and ask for medical help if needed.
2. Get names, addresses, and license numbers of all drivers involved.
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3. Get description and registration number and insurance information of all cars involved.
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License Plate Number
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Registration #
Make ___________ Year _________
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Damage
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Insurance Company
____________________________________
Insurance Policy Number
4. Get names and addresses of all witnesses (other than passengers)
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Name
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Address
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Phone
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Name
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Address
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Phone
5. Police Officers
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Department
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Officer.
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Badge No.
______________________________________________________
Officer.
______________________________________________________
Badge No.
6. Accident Information
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Date Time
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Location _______________________________________________________
No. of vehicles involved
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Weather
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Road conditions
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Damage
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Speed of the other car
6. Summary of accident
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7. Diagram of accident
8. Make sure no one is injured. If anyone is injured call an ambulance. If you have any reason to suspect you were injured in the accident, see a physician promptly. You'll want it on record that you sought treatment right away - not in a week or so .
9. Witnesses will be a tremendous help to you in any subsequent court action, if there is any question of liability involved. Get the names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible. If they refuse to identify themselves, jot down the license plate numbers of the their automobiles. Do not discuss the accident with the witnesses. Do not give the witnesses to anyone but the police, your attorney or your insurance company.
10. Do not assign or accept blame for the accident.
- The scene of the accident is not the place to determine fault. Discuss the accident only with the police, your attorney and with representatives of your insurance company. Give the other party only your drivers license number, registration number and insurance information.
- Be cooperative with the police.
11. Seek hospital attention.
12. Speak with your Doctor or Chiropractor
13. Call your insurance company to report the accident.
14. Call: Kenneth A. Vercammen, Attorney At Law (732) 572-0500
When you need help the most, we will be ready to help you.
15. Never give a signed statement to the claims adjuster representing the other driver's insurance company. The same goes for a phone recording. They may be used against you in court.
16 . What you must always have in your car.....
a.- Drivers License
b.- Car Registration
c.- Insurance Card
d.- This Flyer on Accidents
e.- A Working Pen
f. - Quarters for Phone Calls
(Ambulance/First Aid and Police)
Associate Editor: Ernest Fantini
