The Glove Box Accident Guide
1. Stay Calm
Find a safe place to pull over and turn your flashers on. Take a deep breath and take a moment to gather your thoughts.
2. Don’t Apologize
Don’t admit fault or apologize. Anything you say can be used against you in the future.
3. Contact the Police
Immediately dial 9-1-1 to report the accident. If you think you are injured, ask for an ambulance.
4. Find Witnesses
Witnesses are very important if the specifics of the accident are disputed.
Witness #1
Name:
Phone: ( )
Notes:
Witness #2
Name:
Phone: ( )
Notes:
5. Take Photos
If you don’t have a camera with you, use the camera on your cell phone.
Take Pictures of:
- All sides of each vehicle
- License plates of all vehicles
- People involved – including passengers and witnesses
- Closeup of damage
- The entire accident scene
6. Gather Information
After taking photos, fill out this accident summary. It’s important to gather as must information as you can.
| Accident Date: | Time: | ||
| Other Vehicle Information (This information can be taken from their vehicle registration card) | |||
| Make: | Model: | Color: | Year: |
| License Plate Number: | VIN Number: | ||
| Owner’s Name: | |||
| Address: | City: | State: | Zip: |
| Other Driver (This information can be taken from their driver’s license) | |||
| If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle: How are the driver and the owner related? | |||
| LIC Number: | State: | ||
| Name: | |||
| Date of Birth: | Gender: | ||
| Address: | City: | State: | Zip: |
| Cell Phone Number: | |||
7. Accident Details
Be as detailed as possible when you fill out the following information about the accident.
Location
| Street: | City: | State: |
Damage
Describe where the car is damaged and to what extent. Use the cars to the right to circle where the damage is located.
“The Kentucky Accident Book: 7 Potholes That Can Wreck Your Kentucky Accident Case”
Excerpts from the book by Michael A. Schafer
POTHOLE 1: Not Taking Immediate Action at the Accident Scene
You should immediately call 911 and wait for the police and ambulance to arrive. Take pictures and gather information if you are physically able and can do so safely. Do not admit to anything until you have had a chance to consult with your attorney. Failing to get information about the other driver, such as the insurance policy number, can cause delays and problems with your case.
POTHOLE 2: Not Documenting Everything That Happens After the Accident
“A picture is worth a thousand words” and “seeing is believing.” Take pictures of everything, write down everything that happens and how you are feeling, and save every piece of paper that you get. This can make a big difference in having a successful outcome in your accident case.
POTHOLE 3: Not Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment Or Cooperating Fully With Your Doctor
If you were hurt in the accident you should seek medical attention and see your doctor as soon as possible. The longer you wait to see a doctor after an accident the more difficult it will be to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident or that your injuries were severe enough to justify fair compensation. Make sure that you answer your doctor’s questions accurately and completely. Complete and accurate information is essential to a good outcome in your accident case.
POTHOLE 4: Giving Statements, Signing Any Papers Or Accepting Insurance Estimates Or Offers Of Settlement Without Obtaining Legal Advice
The other insurance company will likely ask you to give a recorded statement as well as sign a medical authorization and other paper work that could damage you ability to obtain a fair settlement. Do not give the insurance company complete and uncontrolled access to your private and personal records. This may be a big mistake. Wait until you have talked with your attorney before giving any statement.
POTHOLE 5: Not Hiring An Attorney Or Hiring The Wrong Attorney
Many times a personal injury attorney can spot potential problems, anticipate defenses and warn you about tactics used by the insurance company early on in your accident case. This can help to minimize the impact and damage to your case. Make sure you speak with a personal injury attorney who concentrates his practice in accident cases.
POTHOLE 6: Not Being Completely Honest With Your Attorney Or Not Cooperating Fully
The other side is allowed to look into your past accident history to see if your injury could have been caused by something other than this accident. If you hide accidents that you had before from your attorney, doctor or the insurance company it could damage your case. Make sure you cooperate fully attorney and tell them everything. Knowing your complete history will help your attorney obtain a fair outcome for you in your accident case.
POTHOLE 7: Exaggerating Your Injuries or Dishonesty
You need to tell your doctor and lawyer all of your injuries and pains, current and past! Don’t leave anything out, but DO NOT add anything or exaggerate. Anything you tell your doctor can show up in your medical records and is a permanent part of your case records. Don’t say anything that can be used against you.
Order your FREE copy of the full book at www.kentuckyaccidentbooks.com.