Traffic Accidents
If you live in the Dallas & Fort Worth area, traffic accidents are a fact of everyday life. These accidents encompass a vast number of situations including car accidents, drunk and intoxicated driving accidents, 18 wheeler trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle and biking accidents, pedestrian accidents, etc. Losses resulting from accidents can range from property damage, personal injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, as well as physical pain and suffering.
If you are involved in a car accident or any other type of traffic accident, it is important that you obtain as much information about the other driver as you can, including the driver’s name, address, telephone number, drivers license number and date of birth. You must also obtain name of the other driver’s insurance company and policy number. Be sure to note the year, make, model and license plate number of the other vehicle. If there are eye-witnesses to the accident, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers. If the other driver says he does not have any insurance, then make sure you still get as much of the informtion mentioned above. You will have to give this information to your insurance company when you report the claim. Attached is an Accident Information Form which you should print and keep in your vehicle in case you have an accident. This form will help you obtain the necessary information at the accident scene.
Sometimes a police officer will investigate the accident and make out an accident report that contains this information. However, many police departments have cut back on making police reports for less serious accidents and normally do not come to the scene unless there is a need to keep the peace or if the drivers are not cooperating with each other in exchanging information. If the police do make out a report, then investigating officer should give you a report number that you can use when you want to get a copy of the report.
At the accident scene, never be rude or confrontational with the other driver or police officers. Also, do not ever sign anything or put anything in writing about the events surrounding the accident or injuries unless you are required to do so by the investigating officer.
Even though boating accidents do not happen on our public roadways, they still fall in the category of motor vehicle accidents much like a car or trucking accident. In other words, the operator of a boat must exercise care for the safety of others and can be held liable for injuries caused by the negligence of the driver. I have seen some very serious injuries caused by boating mishaps that could have been prevented had the boat’s operator been more diligent and careful. Like other motor vehicles, boats also carry liability insurance coverage in case of personal injuries. Additionally, these policies tend to provide for even more coverage than car insurance because boat insurance tends to be much cheaper.
