This Friday was a celebration for my Grammy and Pops. They have been married for 50 years now! We had the most amazing dinner at The Grill in San Jose.
I took the liberty of ordering a variety of cupcakes from The best bakery in the Bay Area as well as an arrangement of flowers for the table. Grammy was floored and we all had an amazing time.
However, the night ended with this:
I was rear ended by a woman while turning left at an intersection. My car spun around like a spinning top until I faced oncoming traffic. Thank god for the guy in aforementioned posts. He used to be a mechanic and was able to temporarily reattach my bumper so that I would be able to drive to and from work until I hear back from my insurance as well as the other driver.
Over the last few days my back been super sore but I am so lucky. Considering the weather, this accident (my first ever) could have been a lot worse.
Being my first accident, I was a little shaken up and froze when it came to questions for the other driver, the driver at fault in this situation.
For future reference, I researched importance questions to ask and things to cover if ever get into another accident (knock on wood).
1. Check to see if you or any passengers with you were injured in the automobile accident. Do not hesitate to call “911” for medical help if anyone needs medical attention. If anyone is unconscious, it is best not to move them unless absolutely necessary as moving them could make their injuries worse. If you must move injured people, make sure to keep their head and neck supported the entire time.
2. Safely get out of the way of traffic. If your car does not work, turn on your warning lights or open your hood to warn other drivers in the area. Your safety is most important.
3. Call the police if the auto accident involves damage, injury or death.
4. Obtain information from the all other drivers and witnesses involved in the car accident, including:
- Name
- Address
- City
- Telephone Numbers
- Insurance Company
- Policy Number
- Coverage Limits
5. Obtain police officers information:
- Name
- Badge Number
- City
6. Write down the car accident information:
- Date
- Time
- Other car description:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Color
- State
- Car License Plate Number
7. Take pictures of everything involved in the car accident, as long as it can be done safely. These pictures should include each car driver, each automobile in the car accident showing any property damage, skid marks, any other damage to property, as well as the location of the automobile accident. The more pictures the better. When in doubt, take pictures. It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment or trunk. If there are no other cameras available, then you should use a cell phone camera. Pictures may help your automobile insurance company determine how much you should be paid for your injuries.
8. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes there are injuries right after an accident takes place, but many people who are injured do not realize it right after an accident. Therefore, it is always wise to see your doctor to make sure that you are ok.
9. Before speaking to the insurance company, make sure to consult an experienced auto accident attorney. Many times the insurance companies will try to settle for less than you deserve, especially when injuries are involved. It is a great idea to find out all of your options with a FREE telephone or office consultation from Former Insurance Company Automobile Accident Attorney Michael Pines to discuss your legal rights.