GJEL Accident Attorneys Asks Motorists to be Prepared Memorial Day Weekend with Accident Checklist

Everyone driving on holiday-weekend roadways is encouraged to carry GJEL Accident Attorneys on-the-scene accident checklist in their vehicle glove box.

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 26, 2010 — Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen (GJEL Accident Attorneys), is encouraging Memorial Day Weekend motorists to ensure that drivers and passengers know what to do in the event of collision. The catastrophic injury law firm has created a free, downloadable accident checklist to be printed and kept in the vehicle glove box.

“Memorial Day marks the launch of summer driving season and with that season typically come more accidents. Immediately following a collision, a large percentage of people panic and are unsure what to do,” said Andrew Gillin managing partner of GJEL. “GJEL Accident Attorneys has created this on-the-scene accident checklist as a guide for drivers of all ages.”

In the accidents in which its own clients have been involved, GJEL Accident Attorneys has found that witness contact details are among the most frequently forgotten pieces of information. If a driver or passenger is not injured, they should consider obtaining contact information from witnesses themselves. Officers at the scene are often busy taking statements from drivers and passengers, and witness details may fall through the cracks.

“Some witnesses may overhear a statement by an at-fault driver even when they may not have seen an accident first hand,” said Gillin. “It’s also important for drivers to take down other vehicles’ license plates, just in case a vehicle is owned by someone other than the driver.”

GJEL ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS ON-THE-SCENE CHECKLIST

1. Keep this checklist in the glove box near the auto registration.
2. Keep a disposable camera handy or mobile phone with camera to document the scene of the accident.
3. Stay calm and immediately contact 9-1-1 to bring police/rescue teams to the scene.
4. If you’ve been injured, do not attempt to leave your vehicle.
5. If other drivers/passengers are injured, do not pull them from the vehicle.
6.Obtain all necessary information: license plates, insurance information, drivers’ licenses, drivers’ contacts.
7. Take photographs at the scene of the accident before you move your vehicle.
8. Identify any witnesses and record contact information.
9. Remain at the scene of an accident and wait for a police officer to arrive; note if other drivers leave.
10. Obtain a copy of the police officer’s accident report for further reference.
11. Contact your insurance company and have copies of the accident report available to send.
12. See a physician immediately to treat injuries after the accident.
13. Keep copies of all communication relating to the accident.
14. Determine whether to reach a personal injury or accident attorney to help with your case.

About GJEL Accident Attorneys
GJEL Accident Attorneys is a San Francisco Bay Area law firm representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Since 1972, the firm has obtained recoveries in more than 99 percent of its cases.

Author Photo

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy is a highly recognized wrongful death lawyer in California.