Checklist for Accidents Involving Texting
At the Scene of the Accident
- Driver Information. Exchange contact information (name, address and phone numbers), license numbers (both the driver's license and the car license), name and phone number of insurance company, and the insurance policy number with anyone else involved in the accident.
- Photographs. Take photographs of any injuries you or anyone else sustained, all cars or other vehicles involved in the accident, and the scene of the accident.
- Police Report. If police respond to the accident, obtain a copy of the police report as soon as you are able.
- Witnesses. Make a record of the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of all witnesses to the accident. If they are willing to talk to you, ask them what they saw, where they were when they saw it, and either write it down or record it.
Afterwards
- Medical Expenses. Keep a written record of all physician's office and hospital visits, prescriptions, any non-prescription medicines you take, laboratory services, physical therapy, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests. Include names, dates, amount charged, and any related information, such as the reasons why you took the medication or visited the hospital or physician.
- Lost Work Time. Make a log of all time lost from work as a result of the accident. This includes time-off for medical treatment or recovering from the injuries you received. At the appropriate time, you will want to ask your employer for a letter confirming that you were in fact absent from work during those periods.
- Lost School Time. Make a log of all lost time from school as well as any period during which you are unable to do your school work as a result of the accident.
- Photographs. Continue to photograph your injuries as they evolve over time. Keep track of the dates when each photograph is taken and write them on the back of the photo.
- Witnesses. Before much time has passed, contact each witness and obtain a written a statement explaining what they saw.
- Pain, Distress, Etc. Make a daily log of any pain, distress, discomfort, fatigue, or other symptoms that you believe may result from the accident.
- Car Repair Estimates and Other Bills. Have at least one certified mechanic provide you with an estimate of the repair costs for your vehicle. Keep all documentation of the estimate and any repairs you have made on the vehicle.
- Other Expenses. Make records of everything you spend relating to your injuries or the accident. This could include bandages, child care expenses, car rental, taxis, cancellation of a trip, etc.
What Else You Should or Should Not Do
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Do not state to anyone at the accident site or thereafter that it was your fault or that you did something while driving that you shouldn't have done.
- Make certain that you obtain all recommended medical treatment, follow physician's orders, and take all medicines prescribed by a physician.
- Do not answer any questions from either the other participants in the accident or from the other participants' insurance company, and do not sign any documents without the approval of your attorney.
- Do not settle your case until you are certain your medical expenses have ended.
- Maintain copies of all documents that relate to the accident, your injuries, the treatment of your injuries, and any costs you had to pay as a result of your injuries.
RETURN TO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY TEXTING
