4. What
information should I gather at the scene of the wreck?
Since many
records now are confidential under the law, you may not be able to obtain the
information that you want from the Department of Finance and Administration (MV
Division). So be sure to get as much correct and complete information as you can
at the scene of the wreck.
You and the other
driver should show each other your drivers' licenses and vehicle registrations.
Make sure to record:
The other
driver's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver's license
number and expiration date, and insurance company.
The other
car's make, year, model, license plate number and expiration date, and
vehicle identification number.
The names,
addresses, telephone numbers and insurance companies of the other car's
legal and registered owners - if the driver does not own the car.
The names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of any passengers in the other car.
The names,
addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses to the incident. Ask them to
stay to talk to the police. If they insist on leaving, ask them to tell you
what they saw and write everything down.
The name and
badge number of the law officer who comes to the scene of the wreck. Ask the
officer where and when you can get a copy of the police report.
A simple
diagram of the wreck. Draw the positions of both cars before, during and
after the wreck. If there are skid marks on the road, pace them off. Draw
them on the diagram, noting the distance they cover. Mark the positions of
any crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights or street lights. If you have a
camera with you, take pictures of the scene.
Make notes, too, on
weather and road conditions. If the wreck happened after dark, say whether
street lights were on. Estimate your speed and the other driver's. Be sure to
note the exact time and place the wreck happened.
