No matter how well you think you drive, odds are, you will have a car accident. Being prepared for such is your only offense when road conditions turn from perfect to dangerous. When you are caught in such conditions it is critical to be prepared, especially in winter driving conditions.
Besides having the necessary just in case you become stranded emergency equipment in your car, you should also have an accident information checklist in your glove compartment box. This will help protect your rights, and ensure that all information that needs to be collected, does get collected.
As a Denver chiropractor that treats auto accident patients, it is very common for the new patient to not have all the necessary information. Do not get caught in this situation. Having an easy to follow checklist in your glove compartment is an easy solution. If you would like a free checklist, I would be happy to send one to you in the mail.
The information you collect from your Denver car accident will help the at fault insurance company in determining how much your claim is worth. It will also help your doctor to understand the special directional forces transmitted to your body through vehicle collision vectors. If you need a Denver personal injury lawyer, the information will also help them to properly convey and represent your case to the insurance company.
First off, check yourself for injuries. The adrenaline rush you experience from the crash will often overide your awareness of your injuries. Next, check your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance right away!
You should also make a quick determination if your situation is prone to cause another nearby crash that might put you in more danger. It might be best to move your car to a safe postion, out of the way of traffic.
You should always call the police. The police will help get information about the other driver, and also possibly issue a ticket. Without a police report, or an issued ticket, it leaves room for the other insurance company to wiggle out of accepting fault. Always call the police, no matter what the other driver says!
Collect the other drivers information. This includes their address, home phone, cell phone, insurance company, policy number, work phone, email, license plate number, make, model, color, date, time, year of cars involved, and even insurance coverage limits, if they have the policy. Get the witnesses information as well. This can help protect you if there is any doubt of who is at fault.
When the police arrive, be sure to get the officers name, badge number, and city. Always treat the officers and emergency personnel with great respect. You might be angered by the situation, but remember that they are there to help and assist you.
Take pictures of everything! Document the damage to your car, the other peoples cars, intersections, skid marks, and even the position of your head rest. If you can, take video as well, this always adds dimension.
If you are injured at all, I suggest you go to the emergency room, or urgent care. This helps document your injuries, as well as protect you from serious underlying problems you might not be aware of. After this visit, you should schedule a visit to a medical doctor or chiropractor that is specifically trained in documenting and treating auto injuries. This is imperative! Going to a doctor that does not have additional training in auto injury accidents puts your case in jeopardy, and could put you in a position of increasing your risk for long term chronic pain.
I would also advise you to seek counsel from a well respected car accident lawyer. They can help you determine if you need a lawyer or not.
If you have any questions at all, or would like a free accident checklist, please call our office.
Dr. Trent Artichoker MS, DC
Denver Chiropractic, LLC
3890 Federal Blvd Unit 1
Denver, CO 80211
303-455-2225