Statistically, the average driver will be involved in four accidents during his or her lifetime. You never know when an accident might happen. One way to prepare is to keep an “accident kit” in your car. Recommended items include an accident checklist, flashlight, and a set of cones or warning triangles. Print this checklist for your reference and keep it in your glovebox.
Accident Checklist: Remember, Safety First.
- Stop the car as soon as possible. Do not leave the accident scene. In Pennsylvania, drivers leaving the scene of accident are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
- Turn off the engine and put your hazard lights on.
- Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers. Keep in mind that common vehicle crash injuries such as whiplash do not show up right away. Don’t ignore pain that occurs hours or even days after the accident.
- Call 911 to inform the police and medical personnel. Don’t allow the other driver(s) talk you out of getting the police involved.
- Remove your vehicle from the roadway if the accident has not resulted in a serious injury or death. Moving your vehicle is required by Pennsylvania law, but only if your vehicle can be safely driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard.
- Wait for the police. Ask the officer how you can obtain a copy of the police report.
- Gather information, including:
- other driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, license number
- vehicle descriptions and license plate number
- eyewitnesses’ names and contact information
- accident scene location and/or address
- police officer’s name and badge number
- Document the scene. If it’s safe to do so, use your cell phone to take photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident, and the surroundings.
- Notify your insurance company.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, call the legal team at Comitz Law at 570-829-1111 or email info@comitzlaw.com.