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WEB SITES - ACCIDENT CHECK LIST
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The Web Sites listed below may help you with some research on
your own. We will add (and subtract) from time to time. Your
feedback is welcome. If you have trouble entering the site add
http:// before the www. (The granddaughters caught some lake trout this past April > > > )
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We have listed some suggestions for you to consider should you, a member of you family, business associate or friend become involved in an accident. These suggestions apply regardless of who may have been at fault. They also apply to any type of accident - auto - slip and fall - boating - any
incident involved with recreation - guests in your home, etc.
It is vitally important to gather AS MUCH INFORMATION (photos,
statements, maps) as possible immediately. Memories fade and
accident scenes (including vehicles) change.
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1. Montana State Law Library: www.lawlibrary.state.mt.us/
2. Montana Attorney General Opinions (1997 to present):
www.doj.state.mt.us/ago/index.htm
3.Ancestry:www.ancestry.com/ (Contains Social Security Death Index and Census material).
4. Legal Forms: www.kwikforms.com/
5. Kelly Blue Book: www.kbb.com/
6. Montana Road and Weather: www.mt.gov/weather/
7. USGS Topo Finder: http://nris.state.mt.us/topofinder.html
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In case of accident:
1. Give aid to any injured persons.
2. Give and obtain detailed information as to parties names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's #, vehicle description and
license #, insurance information (Company, Policy#, named
insured) AND, names, addresses and phone #'s of witnesses.
3. Call the Sheriff, Highway Patrol or local Police so there
is an official report of the accident.
4. Photograph the scene, any and all autos, trucks, other vehicles and/or objects involved.
5. Note the location of any debris - make a sketch or get a
photo - this can be imporatnt in determining the location
of a collision (point of impact) - this is frequently an
issue of dispute.
6. Obtain medical attention as necessary. Paramedics make reports of their calls - the information you give them will
be important.
7. Report the accident to your insurance company. FAILURE
to report the accident may result in your company denying coverage and therefore expose you to personal liability.
8. Consult an attorney with respect to what damages may be
recoverable should you be injured. Awarding money damages is the law's method of putting the wrongfully injured person as closely as possible into a position equal to that before he or she was injured. Damages are recoverable for (a) the nature, extent and duration of physical injuries (b)pain and suffering resulting from those injuries (c) disability, temporary and permanent (d) reasonable medical expenses - doctors, hospitals, physical therapy, medications (e) loss of income, past and future, and diminished earning capacity (f) auto and
other personal property damage (g) change in lifestyle
We can explain these items for you as they may apply to your individual circumstances.
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Come back soon!
James P. Slack
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