Archive for January, 2010
How much time do I have to report a traffic accident?
Posted by: | CommentsThere was a car crash at a busy intersection this weekend. As we drove by, the drivers were just standing around and didn’t seem to know what to do.
You know there’s going to be paperwork, but where do you start?
First and foremost, gather as much correct and complete information as you can at the scene of the accident. Then, depending on where the accident happened and the extent of damages, you may need to file an accident report with the State.
If an accident happens in the State of Washington
In the State of Washington, you must complete a Motor Vehicle Collision Report if the accident causes:
In a car accident, when do I call the police?
Posted by: | CommentsYou hear the screech of tires. There’s no time to brace yourself. In the blink of an eye, you feel the impact. Whether a crash comes out of the blue and collides with a great deal of force or it’s a low-speed thump in heavy traffic, you’re now involved in a traffic accident.
Stay at the scene
You are required by law to stay at the scene of the accident. The law says you must stop whether the accident involves another moving car, a parked car, someone’s property, or a pedestrian. If you drive away, you can be charged with hit and run—even if the accident was not your fault. Hit-and-run penalties are severe. You may be fined, sent to jail, or both. You also could lose your driver’s license.
Survey the Damage in your Recent Car Accident
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You’ve made sure everyone is all right and gathered required information. Now here’s the tough part – actually looking at the damage to all the vehicles from your recent car accident. Whether you are dealing with a claim in Vancouver, Washington, any other location in Southwest Washington or the Portland Metropolitan area, the Law Offices of Loren Etengoff are here to help.
Focus on gathering facts
As you survey your car, do your best to keep your emotions in check. While that may be difficult (especially with adrenaline running through your system at the moment), refrain from saying anything that you might later regret. Read More→
Exchanging information at the scene of an Automobile Accident
Posted by: | CommentsYou’ve made sure everyone is okay at the scene of an automobile accident. Stay calm, avoid placing blame, and focus on collecting facts.
Find a piece of paper and a pen so you can write things down. Many insurance companies provide blank forms that help you collect information in the event of a collision. If you have that automobile accident form in your glove compartment, pull it out and use it.