If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you’re know that sick feeling that crops up in the pit of your stomach when you realize what happened and the hassle it will cause you. As a personal injury defense attorney for fifteen plus years I offer the following tips on how to handle the minor fender bender.

BE PREPARED

Let’s be honest. None of us expect to win into a motor-vehicle accident and most of us don’t really want to mediate about it. However, preparation for the occurrence goes a long way in easing tensions in the event it happens.

A DISPOSABLE CAMERA

First, your vehicle should contain a fresh, disposable camera at all times. Then, if the unthinkable occurs, you can take photos of the vehicles involved at the scene of the accident. Don’t forget to photograph any pertinent traffic signs or obstructions to visibility, also. Such photos could become valuable to your case, whether you are a defendant or a plaintiff.

Retain INSURANCE CARD AND REGISTRATION HANDY

You should also keep your insurance card and vehicle registration in the car at all times. They should be kept in the same place in a protective plastic baggy and you should check their location several times yearly to execute obvious they are still where you expect them to be. Many drivers get extremely nervous at the scene of an accident and trying to come by a misplaced insurance card only adds to the harm of the event.

DON’T TALK TO THE OTHER DRIVER

After the accident has occurred drivers can exchange insurance information but it may be best to wait for the police to advance before doing this. If you do exchange insurance information with the other driver, do not discuss the accident with him. I’ve had many a client obliterate their own defense by apologizing to the other driver or worse, admitting to a specific fault. Don’t make this mistake. The best advice I can give you is this: say nothing at the scene to the other driver.

SAY LITTLE TO POLICE

When the police advance you will be asked for your version of the accident. Keep it simple and do not implicate yourself. Remember, drivers are frequently confused about the event immediately after it has happened and it is better to say nothing instead of something that will defeat your defense even before you get to court.

Procure INFO FROM YOUR PASSENGERS

If there are passengers in your vehicle, note where they were sitting inside the car when the accident occurred and whether they were wearing seatbelts. Also, be aware of any physical complaints they make at the scene and make sure to get their current addresses and phone numbers.

IDENTIFY OFFICERS AT SCENE

While we’re talking about gathering information, remember to get the badge number of
the officer at the scene. In the event of litigation, the officer’s badge number will help to accurately identify him in case you need him to testify.

CIVIC-E

Now, I realize that if the unthinkable does happen, you may not be able to recall any or all of the above suggestions. To make it easier think: CIVIC-E. They are: camera, insurance card, vehicle registration, implicate not (yourself), current addresses/phone numbers of your passengers and exchange insurance information with the other driver.

Needless to say, I hope you never have to worry about CIVIC-E. But if you do, I hope it helps you to remember these important tips.