None of my clients actually thought they would ever be involved in a car accident. Hundreds of them have told me this. Thousands of them were safe drivers. Yet thousands of them found themselves in my office anyway, victims of an accident.
Psychologically I think, it is hard for us to "prepare for the worst." As accident attorneys, much of our careers are spent with issues relating to managing risk or the lack of it. I can tell you from experience that it is best for us if we can all learn to "hope for the best, but plan for the worst." While many us find it easy to do the former, the latter is difficult because we simply do not like to think about unpleasant things, or harder still, take the time to actually plan for it.
Accordingly, even though you "know" the accident only happens to "the other guy," here are some steps that you can take in advance of an accident--so that in case it happens to you, you are prepared as possible:
o Always keep your insurance up-to-date. I have seen countless numbers of cases over the years where people let their insurance lapse. Usually, it is accidental. There are two steps you can take to keep this from happening to you: (a) Keep the insurance company informed of any change in address. Most people pay their premiums when they get a statement in the mail. But we move around a lot. You need to inform the insurance you are moving. Most cancellations that I have seen occur when the policy lapses because the billing statement is sent to an old address. Be proactive and remember when premiums are due; (b) Pay premiums in advance. You usually receive a discount if you do, and this frees you up from the month-to-month possibility your insurance will be cancelled.
o Carry your auto and auto insurance information in your car. I have had hundreds of clients cited for failure to maintain proof of insurance in their car. Keep your insurance card (the updated one) in your glovebox; you are also required to keep your registration in the car, and have your driver's license.
o Consider keeping an accident kit in your car. Accident kits usually consist of a "throw away" camera pre-loaded with 35 mm film, a notepad and pencil, yellow chalk or pencil to mark things, and a measuring tape. Consider always carrying one in your car.
o Wear a medical tag or keep information in your wallet to (a) identify yourself, (b) identify family members, next of kin, and church, and (c) list any allergies, especially to medications.
o Keep a first aid kit, food, water and emergency money in the car.
o Keep flares or reflective triangles in the car.
o Keep weather related items in the car: blankets for cold weather, shade for hot weather, in the trunk of our car.
These simple steps, if followed, will keep a difficult situation from becoming a nightmare, in the event you are ever involved in a car accident.
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