| So you've been in a car crash. It came out of | | | | record the number of the police report.5. Take photos |
| nowhere and now your mind is racing and you aren't | | | | of the scene of the car crash. Some people even |
| sure what to do. These things happen, and no one | | | | carry a disposable camera in their glove compartment |
| expects them, but stay calm and take things one step | | | | for this reason. Take photos of the vehicles involved |
| at a time. Everything will be all right if you follow a few | | | | and of any damage that has been done. Take photos |
| simple steps.1. Never leave the scene of a car crash. | | | | of any injuries as well, like cuts and bruises. Finally, |
| The stress and shock of getting into a car crash may | | | | preserve the state of the vehicle so that it can be |
| feel like more than you can handle, but it isn't. Keep | | | | inspected by insurance agents before it's repaired. If a |
| calm and focused and never leave the scene of the | | | | photo is all you have, it is better than nothing, but the |
| car crash. If the fear and worry overwhelms you, and | | | | actual damage is best.6. Contact your insurance after |
| you flee the scene, you have committed a crime far | | | | you've been in a car accident. Some damages and |
| worse than simply causing a car crash (which might | | | | medical bills may be covered under your own policy. |
| not have even been your fault!) Being convicted of a | | | | It's a good idea to find out earlier rather than later.7. It's |
| hit-and-run can land you in prison, and is far, far worse | | | | important that you not say anything at the scene. Don't |
| than the discomfort of being accused of causing a car | | | | make any statements - don't talk about how the car |
| accident.2. You'll need to exchange information with | | | | crash happened, and especially don't take blame for |
| the people involved. Get their insurance information, | | | | the car crash, even if you think it might have been |
| their driver's license numbers, telephone, and | | | | your fault. The less you say, the easier it will make |
| addresses. Get a list of witnesses, anyone who saw | | | | things later. And never speak to the other person's |
| the car crash at all.3. If you've been injured, be sure to | | | | insurance company. These statements will only be |
| seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you've | | | | used against you.8. Don't wait! Waiting too long to file a |
| been injured immediately after the car crash, | | | | claim or begin legal action might keep you from |
| symptoms may manifest themselves hours or even | | | | receiving the compensation that you deserve. Statutes |
| days later. It's best to see a doctor right away so that | | | | of Limitation in your state may limit the amount of |
| you can be checked out. Some internal injuries may | | | | money that you can recover, or eliminate it completely. |
| give no symptoms, but could be fatal in a few hours or | | | | Consult someone who knows and can help.9. This can |
| days. Seek medical attention.4. Make a police report. A | | | | be a profoundly difficult time for you and your family. A |
| car crash is a serious matter that can affect your | | | | car accident isn't just physically traumatic, but it can be |
| insurance, your finances, and your health. It's a good | | | | a real financial and legal burden as well. Seek out |
| idea to make the car crash a matter of official record | | | | additional help from a trusted source.When you find |
| with a police report. Call the police to come to the | | | | yourself in need, call or visit for the kind of support that |
| scene of the car crash. If in your area the police only | | | | you need and deserve.Rick Crosby is the webmaster |
| respond to accidents that require an ambulance, go to | | | | and SEM for consultant for To contact Rick Crosby |
| the local police station and file a report. Be sure to | | | | directly, please call 727-490-5739. |