Personal
Injury
Sample Emergency Accident Form
(PDF
File)
What
To Do In Case Of An Auto Accident
1. STOP!!
Failure
to stop can result in serious criminal consequences.
2. RENDER
AID
If anyone
is injured:
(a) Render
first aid if qualified.
(b) Stop
bleeding.
(c) Call
a doctor or an ambulance or both.
(d) DO
NOT move an injured person in any way that could possible
add to his or her injury.
3. PROTECT
THE SCENE FROM FURTHER DAMAGE
You may
be liable for damages to approaching drivers, unless they
are properly warned.
If the
highway is obstructed at night, illuminate the accident scene
if possible.
4. CALL
AN OFFICER
Policemen,
Highway Patrolmen, Sheriffs, and their deputies are trained
accident investigators whose testimony may be invaluable in
establishing your civil claim for damages.
5. GATHER
INFORMATION & WRITE IT DOWN
Don't
trust your memory. Write down all information. Don't guess
-- be specific.
(a) Measure
skid marks.
(b) Step
off distances.
(c) Obtain
names and addresses of witnesses.
Drivers
are required by law to exhibit their driver's license to each
other.
6. BE
CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY.
Even
if you feel you might be at fault, it is best to make no statements
to anyone about who caused the accident. Certainly, you should
cooperate with the police and answer questions about what
occurred. You may learn later that the other driver was equally
at fault, or more so.
7. SEE
YOUR DOCTOR.
Serious
injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed.
If there is the slightest chance you may be injured, see a
doctor.
8. CONSULT
YOUR LAWYER IMMEDIATELY
The sooner
your lawyer is brought into the matter, the better he or she
can advise you and protect your rights. Your lawyer can obtain
statements from the witnesses while their memories are fresh,
and do many other things to insure that the true facts are
preserved.
9. REPORT
THE ACCIDENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
An accident
report is required by law to be filed with the Department
of Public Safety within 10 days from the date of the accident
if there is an injury, death, or total damages exceeding $500.
An official form is available from the Police, Sheriff's Department,
Highway Patrol, or Texas Department of Public Safety.
10. INFORM
YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY PROMPTLY
Failure
to do so may void your policy. Effective January 1, 1982,
vehicles operated on the streets and highways of Texas must
be covered by liability insurance or other evidence of financial
responsibility. The Department of Public Safety enforcement
personnel will accept as evidence of insurance the insurance
policy for the vehicle or an instrument issued by the insurance
company confirming coverage of the vehicle. This instrument
must contain at least:
a. a
statement that the coverage meets the minimum prescribed by
law;
b. the
name of the insurance company;
c. the
name of the insured;
d. the
period of the policy; and
e. the
policy number.
Evidence
of insurance should be carried in the vehicle or with the
driver of the vehicle. As a condition of driving, every owner
and/or operator is required upon request to furnish such evidence
to a law enforcement officer or to another person if involved
in an accident.
Failure
to show evidence of insurance or financial responsibility
carries upon conviction certain statuatory penalties including
fine and suspension of license and registration privileges.
Be sure
to inquire as to whether your insurance policy provides coverage
for your medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an
accident.
This information
was compiled and is provided as a public service by the State
Bar of Texas.
|
