Saturday, July 19, 2008

Auto Accident Statistics and Checklist

Auto Statistics
Automobile accidents are very dangerous and may cause serious injury. Although some insurance industry publications try to minimize the impact, the truth about automobile accidents is disturbing:
  • According to the National Safety Council, there are approximately 12 million automobile accidents every year.
  • Approximately 2 million non-fatal, but disabling, injuries occur from automobile accidents every year.
  • Approximately 10% of all automobile accident victims become disabled.
  • Collisions occurring at speeds as low as 5 miles an hour can lead to significant cervical or neck injury. This is true even though there is little to no damage to the motor vehicles in a low speed collision.
  • Even if an accident causes no broken bones, a victim may suffer "soft-tissue" injuries that last for months, or sometimes years. A study reported in the European Spine Journal indicated that 10% of accident victims experienced degenerative bone conditions during the first year after the auto accident.
Michigan Auto Accident Checklist
If you were involved in a Michigan auto accident, do you know what to do? The following "checklist" can help you take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights in case of a Michigan auto accident.

Stay Calm after the Michigan Auto Accident:
  • Protect your passengers and car.
  • If necessary, call an ambulance for any injured party.
  • Set out flares, if you carry them.
  • Do not leave the scene of the Michigan car accident.
Exchange Documents after the Michigan Auto Accident:
  • Exchange only your license, registration and motor vehicle identification card with the other drivers.
  • Do not discuss the Michigan car accident with anyone other than the police.
  • Do not blame yourself or anyone else.

Get Ownership Facts After the Michigan Auto Accident:
  • Write down the name, address, and insurance company of the owner of the other car involved in the Michigan car accident.
  • Do not assume that the other driver owned his or her car.
Get Information About Witnesses to the Michigan Auto Accident:
  • Be sure to write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any people who saw the Michigan car accident, but were not involved in it.
Draw a Diagram of the Michigan Auto Accident Scene:
  • Write the date and time of the Michigan auto accident on the diagram.
  • In addition, write down information about the location of the auto accident, including the intersection, street names, any stop lights or traffic control signs, or other landmarks.
Protect Your Legal Rights After the Michigan Auto Accident:

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