POST-COLLISION ESSENTIALS
What to Do At the Scene of a Collision
Introduction
If you’ve been in a collision, stay calm, contact emergency services immediately, and get as much information as you can:
Use this document as a guide to what information you need to collect at the scene of the collision.
Take pictures if possible.
Don’t say it was your fault, even if you think it might be.
Once you know you are safe and physically okay, take a deep breath. Then use this guide to record the information you will need from the scene of the collision.
If you believe that you or anyone else may have been seriously injured or have a medical or mental health emergency, immediately dial 911 or contact emergency services.
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE THIS AND THE
“POST COLLISION ESSENTIALS” SERIES
This document gives you a place to write down important information about how a collision happened and details of the scene. It is the most helpful when used with other guides in SAFE Support’s “Post Collision Essentials” series.
These guides are available in the resource library on SAFE’s website (www.StreetsAreForEveryone.org/ Library). The “Post Collision Essentials” series, along with the “Professional Assistance” and the “Getting Back on Your Feet” series of resources will help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
To be most effective, follow these suggestions when writing in SAFE Support documents:
Use the templates as a guide to help you record what you’re going through. Make as many copies as you need. Keep your records in a computer, tablet, or notebook, or make photocopies to put in a binder. When available, take advantage of fillable PDF versions to make quick copies for easy digital storage.
Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences as soon as you are able, while they are still fresh in your memory. Courts view statements that are made soon after a collision as more believable than the ones written down later.
Write as much as you need and as often as you need, there is no limit.
Keep your SAFE Support materials where you are likely to see them and fill them out. Your kitchen counter, living room coffee table, or bedroom night table are all great options.
Be honest, detailed, and complete. Use the same words in your SAFE documents as you did in a police report or with your insurance company. Other people may read your words as part of your case or claim. Changing your story can make you seem less reliable.
Scan or save all records of a collision, including receipts, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes.
Visit www.StreetsAreForEveryone.org/safesupport for more information.
If you believe that you or anyone else may have been seriously injured or have a medical or mental health emergency, immediately dial 911 or contact emergency services.
Avoid scams by making sure the towing company is licensed and authorized. Call Freeway Service Patrol (511) or your insurance company to connect with a reputable towing company and make sure the tow truck that shows up is the one you called. For more information, check out SAFE Support's “Post Collision Essentials: How to Find a Reputable Tow Truck Driver”.I’VE BEEN IN A COLLISION…WHAT NOW!?
9 STEPS TO GET BACK ON YOUR FEET - A SUMMARY
There are nine basic actions you should take after a collision to help you get back on your feet.
1. Document evidence and write down important information.
Write down witness names, contact info, and other important information using “Post Collision Essentials: What to do at the Scene of a Collision”
Taking photos and gathering other evidence is a task that might make sense for family members and friends that want to help.
2. DO NOT admit fault or give a recorded or written statement without seeking legal advice.
State law requires you to exchange insurance information at the scene of the collision. You are not required to share any other information or statements.
Don’t sign any documents or let someone record your voice without talking to an attorney. These statements can be used against you later.
For further information on what to do, see SAFE Support’s “Post Collision Essentials: What to do at the Scene of a Collision
3. Seek medical care right away and follow your doctor’s advice.
If you are hurt, waiting to see a doctor or ignoring their advice can hurt your insurance claim.
4. File a police report
State law requires filing a report if you are injured or if damages are more than $500. But it’s a good idea to file a report even if you think your damages are less than $500.
If the collision occurs in the City of Los Angeles, you can use SAFE Support's “Post Collision Essentials: How to Fill Out an Online LAPD Traffic Collision Report” to help you.
5. Contact your insurance company and start an insurance claim.
Your insurance company can refuse to protect you if the collision isn’t reported right away. You can find help with filing an insurance claim in SAFE Support’s “Professional Assistance: How and When to File an Insurance Claim”
Ask your insurance agent about benefits that can help you while waiting to settle your claim. Benefits often include car repair, rental cars, wage loss, or medical bill coverage. Using these benefits shouldn’t raise your insurance rates if the collision wasn’t your fault.
6. Consult with an attorney.
The first call or meeting with an attorney is almost always free. Ask what assistance they can provide.
Collision victims with attorneys normally recover two to three times as much as people who try to deal with an insurance company on their own. Most attorneys only get paid if you do.
The SAFE Support documents “Professional Assistance: When to Seek Legal Advice” and “Professional Assistance: How to Find a Great Attorney” can help you with this.
7. Get help from SAFE Support.
Crashes are traumatic experiences.
Get support from friends and family or professionals.
SAFE Support is a family of survivors that offers a support community for you and your family.
8. Start an impact journal and keep records.
Use SAFE Support’s “Post Collision Essentials: Medical and Quality of Life Impact Journal” and
“Post Collision Essentials: Expense Tracker” to help capture important details.
Take time to write down how a collision affects your day-to-day life. If you decide to make a claim against the other driver, you will need this information.
9. Join our Movement for Safer Streets.
We are a family of people personally affected by collisions and are here to help you get back to a normal life. Healing can include holding drivers accountable and assisting in preventing further crashes. Visit www.StreetsAreForEveryone.org/join-the-movement to learn more.
All documents referenced in this guide are available in the SAFE Support Resource Library at: www.StreetsAreForEveryone.org/Library.
SAFE Support
Free support services for survivors of street collisions and their loved ones.
You are not alone.
We are available to provide you with the following services:
· Patient Advocacy
· Medical Issues
· Insurance Difficulties
· On-Line Police Reports
· Post-Collision Resource Guides
· Emotional Support
· Legal Referrals
· Navigating the Justice System
· Remembrance & Speaking out
· Child & Family Grief Support
Monday through Friday
9:00 am—5:00 pm
After-hours available upon request
(844) 204-7233
www.StreetsAreForEveryone.org/safe-support/