AUTO ACCIDENT TIPS

@FISHERTALWAR

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

1

We are personal injury attorneys in

Los Angeles, California.

We help injured people file claims

to get more money for medical

bills, time off work and other types

of damages.

Information presented here is

for educational purposes only

and is not substitute to legal

advice!

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

2

Why the need for advice?

Simple mistakes such as not getting medical attention or

talking to the other driver about fault can significantly

lower claim payments, or result in a denied claim.

It’s easy to avoid common mistakes.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

3

• Keep an accident checklist copy in your car

• Keep an emergency kit in your car

Cell phone, disposable camera/smartphone, pen and

paper, medical card, allergy card, flashlight, cones,

warning triangles and emergency flares.

• Raise your insurance policy limits

As much as you can reasonably afford

• Get medical payments coverage

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

4

Move your vehicles off to the side of the road, or if not possible

remain in the vehicle buckled in until help arrives.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

5

Turn on your hazard lights and set up cones, triangles and flares

if available (especially at night).

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

6

(even if it’s a minor accident). The report made by responding

police officer can help settle disputes with your insurance

company.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

7

Don’t say much. Do not apologize or get angry. Simply exchange

information with the other driver as calmly as possible.

Apologizing is the same as admitting fault, while being angry

won’t help the situation.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

8

Get the other person’s license information including license

number, name and address, contact information.

Write down the make, model and year of the vehicle, license

plate number insurance policy number.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

9

Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

10

Be honest with the police officer, and don’t exaggerate. Tell them

exactly what happened.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

11

Take photos of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle

as evidence in case there is a dispute with your insurance

company.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

12

Report the accident to your insurance company.

In California, report traffic accident to the DMV if there was

property damage of more than $750, if anyone was injured (no

matter how minor) or if anyone was killed.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

13

When someone is injured make sure to get medical treatment.

It is important that you get treated in order to recover faster, and

to get a detailed report of your injuries.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

14

Speak to an attorney. When injuries are involved, it is in your best

interest to speak to an attorney as soon as possible, before

talking to the insurance company.

If you are injured, claim payments can skyrocket, making it a

priority of your insurance company to lower the payout when you

need the money most.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

15

Never flee the scene of an accident. Not only is it rude to not

check to see if everyone is okay, it is also a crime to leave the

scene without reporting the accident.

No matter who is at fault, you should always stop and make sure

everyone is alright.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

16

Never make “gentlemen’s agreements” to handle the accident on

your own with the other driver without calling 911.

There needs to be third party proof that the accident occurred.

You never know when the other driver is lying, has no auto

insurance or carries fake insurance and or identity.

Do yourself a favor and look out for your own interests by calling

911. This will also go a long way in making sure your injuries are

properly documented, no matter how seemingly small, which will

help with your claim.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

17

Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company or give any

recorded statements.

Do not admit fault by apologizing to the other driver, or admitting

fault verbally through a direct statement. Even when you may

think you are at fault, you may not be.

1/24/2014

Fisher & Talwar | @fishertalwar

18

“All things are ready, if our mind be so.”

― William Shakespeare