You were struck and it's clearly not your fault! If at all possible, don't remove your vehicle until the police arrive, allowing them to view and ensure whatever evidence which may be important.

DEALING WITH THE EYE WITNESS, IF INDEED THERE IS ONE: You MUST have a pad, pencil and/or pen with you (best place to keep them is in your glove compartment)however it's not a good idea to ask, "Did you witness this"? More often than not that will turn them off!

It's much better to ask, "What happened here?" If the individual is willing to talk don't insist, "Give me a written statement", because that seems too formal or demanding. Since you're obviously busy, hand them the pad and pen and say something like, "Please, while I take some photograph" (or whatever) "just write down what you saw." Then go on about your business.

When that person is finished you should thank them profoundly and say something like, "I'll go over this later. In case I can't make something out, please, give me your name and a phone number where I can reach you if I have any questions."

More often than not if you read their statement and then insist, "Sign this," you'll put them on the defensive. With a statement in their handwriting, it can later be concluded that the statement is indeed theirs. If they sign it great, but don't make an issue of it.

"Why not" ? you may ask. The answer to that is simple,"Because you want them on your side"!

ALWAYS REMEMBER: Because a witness may seem credible and may believe what they're saying is true doesn't mean they're correct. Credibility and honesty have nothing to do with it - - especially if their memories slip a bit. That's why you should try to get it in writing!

REFUSING MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE SCENE

Many people (even when they feel pain) will refuse medical attention at the scene and go home. Then, after several hours of increasing pain, they'll need help. Should they end up dealing with the typical Insurance Adjuster (who is quick to assume they're being conned by a crooked individual) they're told that the pain they allegedly felt had nothing to do with an injury!

That's the biggest reason why one should immediately, either by ambulance(or somehow)demand they be brought to the closest Emergency Room.

Whenever you've been the victim of somebody else's lack of care while operating their motor vehicle, it's crucial that you immediately contact the local police department.

Don't listen to the other operator who may say, "Hey, we'll handle this ourselves".

YOU MUST NEVER FORGET: The individual making such a statement may possibly tell a completely different story (than the one they kinda like stick to and tell you at the scene) when the matter is discussed with the police and/or their own insurance company.

ALSO: There's a "Time-Lapse Of Memory" thing which (more often than not) comes into play. Many times witness's are much better at articulating a circumstance - - even if they're dead wrong!

An "Honest Person" may tell it exactly the way it was but they may not seem convincing; whereas a "Practiced Liar" can often persuade people to believe their story to be true - - when it's not!

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this article: "HANDLING YOURSELF AT YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT SCENE" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Christopher Knight nor EZINE ARTICLES make any guarantee whatsoever, NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL'S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

Dan Baldyga's third and latest book, AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals How To handle your property damage claim so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding BASE (The Baldyga Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the Pain and Suffering you endured - - because of your personal injury!

Copyright (c)2005 By Daniel G.Baldyga

Daniel Baldyga

Dan Baldyga has a lifetime of experience in the field of motor vehicle accidents, personal injury and compensation. He worked his way through American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts employed by the Dolan-Whitney Detective Agency. His assignments included insurance fraud, missing persons, financial and background investigations and undercover operations. He specialized in representing major New England insurance companies, for whom he collected evidence in the inquiry of motor vehicle accidents.

Upon graduation from AIC, in 1955, Baldyga was drafted into the United States Navy where he was assigned to a “Special Unit” in Criminal Investigations. His primary duty was to travel throughout the Midwest, determining negligence and bringing to a conclusion those accident cases involving government motor vehicles. After a year he was transferred to the Orient where he worked on serious and highly complicated criminal cases.

After serving in the Navy, he entered the world of insurance claims, where he began as an Adjuster, was promoted to Supervisor, and then to Claims Manager for 30 years. He then spent another 5 years assisting company attorneys at court trials. His insurance claim articles have been published in dozens of national magazines, newsletters and e-zines - - reaching millions of readers.

Upon his retirement, Baldyga decided that it was time to publish the definitive self-help guide concerning motor vehicle accident personal injury claims. After examining mountains of statistics and confidential reports, he created BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). Experts have called his personal injury evaluation method “Amazing” and “Revolutionary.” THE BASE FORMULA is ingenious, yet matter-of-fact, simple, yet accurate, and eliminates the mystery of how to place a monetary value on the “Pain and Suffering” one has endured - - because of their personal injury!