Car Accident? Follow this Checklist
As I discussed in an earlier post, Jacksonville had the highest number of car accidents of any Florida city last year. Hopefully you'll never have to go through the trauma of a car accident and are spared the difficulty and hassle of dealing with one. Unfortunately, the probability of getting into an accident is growing with the proliferation of cell phones and texting. What’s worse is that the level of your driving skill is moot if you’re hit by someone else who was inattentive.
What should you do if the worst happens? You can find checklists all over the internet, but here's my advice to cover every base after a crash.
1. Check for injuries. Don't underestimate "minor" injuries! Call the police, or 9-1-1 in emergencies. Make an appointment with your doctor or go to the hospital to get checked out, just in case.
2. Provide current car insurance information to each party in the accident, and any police officer who might respond.
3. Document evidence! Keep a disposable camera to take pictures of injuries, property damage, or skid marks. Have a pen and paper handy to take down names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who saw or heard the accident happen.
4. Notify your insurance company.
5. Consult a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you’ve tied up all the loose ends!
