TIPS FOR DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES

(The information below was taken from the newsletter of Klein – Lyons (Personal Injury Lawyers) newsletter fall 2009)

If you are involved in a motor vehicles collision here are some tips:

1. Stay calm and focused so that you can concentrate on recording the facts of the collision and securing witnesses who will support your claim.
   
   
2. By law, drivers involved in collisions are required to remain at the scene, but witnesses have no such obligation.  Before you pursue information from other drivers of vehicles involved you should secure eyewitnesses (i.e. other motorists, pedestrians or cyclists.)  The opposing driver isn’t likely going anywhere but your witnesses can disappear leaving you with no one to validate your claim.  If the driver does leave you have witnesses to support a hit and run.
   
   
3. Information to get from witnesses include:
   1. names
   2. addresses
   3. cellular and home phone numbers
   4. business cards
   5. vehicle license numbers
   
   
   
4. On our website you will find a copy of the motor vehicle collision information form… make sure you have a copy of this along with a pen and leave it with your insurance papers in your vehicle.
   
   
5. Photograph the vehicles before they are moved to show their position on the roadway.
   
   
6. Photograph damage done to the vehicles involved.
   
   
7. Photograph skid marks, vehicle debris on the road or condition that could have contributed to the collision.
   
   
8. Photograph any injuries such as cuts and bruises.
   
   
9. If you do not have a cell phone that takes pictures leave an inexpensive disposable camera in your glove compartment.