Automobile Accidents and Personal Injury

1. STOP
State law requires that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident wherein a person is injured or damage is done to some property shall immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

2. ASSIST THE INJURED
Your first duty after stopping your car is to check for injured persons. If someone is seriously injured, try to make arrangements for a doctor to come to the scene or call an ambulance, whichever is quicker. DO NOT MOVE the injured person unless you know what you are doing. Good intentions on your part may result in further injury to the victim.

3. CALL AN OFFICER
Give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs with a city, or if it occurs outside the city limits, to the office of the County Sheriff or to the nearest station of the State Highway Patrol.

4. DO NOT COMMENT ON THE ACCIDENT
Keep your notes and information strictly to yourself. Admit nothing and sign nothing even if you think you are in the wrong. Your emotions at the time of the accident may deceive you.

5. PROTECT THE SCENE
Take all possible precautions to prevent further accidents.

6. ASSIST THE OFFICER
Remain at the scene, unless injured, until the officer arrives. Cooperate with the officer by advising him of the basic facts briefly. You have the right to consult a lawyer before making any statements.

7. IDENTIFY THE OTHER DRIVER
Obtain the driver's name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he is driving, and request him to exhibit to you his driver's license.

8. WITNESSES
Obtain the names and addresses of any and all witnesses as soon as you can- both eye-witnesses and all others who might have had some information about any of the circumstances of the accident. Always carry a pencil and pad of paper in the glove box of your car.

9. TAKE NOTES- FILL OUT ACCIDENT INFORMATION FORM
Make your own written notes on all significant circumstances concerning the accident. Step off exact distances of skid marks and other important distances. If a camera is available- take multiple pictures of the scene.

10. WHEN TO LEAVE THE SCENE
Unless your injuries impel you to do otherwise, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have, as outlined previously, assisted the injured, protected the scene, called an officer and assisted him, identified the other driver, obtained the names, addresses and statements of all witnesses, made notes and filled out the Accident Information Form.

11. SEE YOUR CHIROPRACTOR
Remember that serious and costly injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. Automobile liability and automobile Medical Pay Insurance will pay for chiropractic treatment as the result of an accident.

Extensive research now links the symptoms listed below with whiplash injuries. While one or more of the symptoms can occur immediately, others may not develop until hours, weeks, or even months following the injury. If you are involved in an accident, don't take chances with self-diagnosis. Contact a doctor of chiropractic as quickly as possible.



12. INFORM INSURANCE COMPANY
Make a complete report to your insurance company. Failure to make a prompt and correct report may affect your rights. No person should ever attempt to apply or interpret any law without the advice and aid of a skilled lawyer.