Things to do after a car accident

Of course, the environment can be a factor contributing to accident risk. Bad weather, rain, snow, strong wind - the likelihood of an accident to occur in such conditions is certainly quite high. But still, it's much easier and cheaper to try to avoid an accident rather than having to deal with the consequences. Not to say that accidents are quite hazardous and can be deadly even if you're not speeding. However, if you faced an accident, it really helps to remember certain things that will help you cope with the situation as effectively as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind that will actually help you.

It would be very good if you've had these tips printed and stored somewhere in your car, because it is so easy to forget everything when being in a stress situation. And having an accident, regardless of how serious it is, is surely a stressful situation.

First of all, you should do everything possible in order not to panic. Try to calm down and examine the situation. See what damage has your and the other party's car sustained, ask if anyone's injured. Other people's health and life has priority than car damage, so if there's anyone hurt call for medical assistance in the first place and then get busy with the vehicles. It may be a single scratch or a serious crash, so being cool-headed and able to evaluate and react accordingly is very important.

Cooperate with the police and tell everything they ask you too. Escaping the scene is not a very bright idea, because it will cause much more trouble and legal action when they find you. And it will be almost impossible to get car insurance coverage if your accident is not documented with the police. No matter who's at fault in the accident, be there and tell everything as it happened. This will make it a lot easier and faster for everyone involved.

Don't let yourself go. Try talking only to the policeman, answer all the questions in an informative manner. Of course, it is quite hard to remain calm, especially when you're not at fault and the other party starts talking to you aggressively. Getting caught in an argue will only make things worse. So keep the conversations to a minimum, speaking in details only to the police and your car insurance company.

Take note of everything you can. When an accident takes place, people sometimes forget to write down the info of the other party involved, which only makes the coverage process longer. Make sure you have all the names, contacts and details written down. Before the police arrive, it really helps to call your insurance agent for an advice, and he or she will surely ask you to learn the other party's insurance company.

In general, your insurance company should be the first to know about the accident, so it really makes sense of having their contact number somewhere in your wallet. Ask how to proceed and tell everything required as it will ease the process of filing and processing your car insurance claim.



© 2010 Ranjan Kumar

Michael Jackson 911 Emergency Call complete transcript

The King is no more, but the legend continues. The mystery continues even after the death of the biggest pop star the world will perhaps ever see. The cause of MJ's death is still not clear, though doctors have confirmed coronary arrest, but what led to that massive arrest is not clear and perhaps will not be clear until and unless the full postmortem and toxicology report is out. Authorities have released 911 emergency call from Michael's home to seek help which also clears the point that MJ's primary care doctor was present with him, though now a fugitive.

Here is the complete transcript of the 911 emergency call:

Operator: Paramedic 33, what is the address of your emergency?

Caller from MJ's home: Yes sir, I need an ambulance as soon as possible, sir

Operator: Ok sir, what's your address?

Caller from MJ's home: Los Angeles California, 90077

Operator: Carolwood?

Caller from MJ's home: Carolwood Drive, yes

Operator: Ok sir, what's the phone number you are calling from?

Caller from MJ's home: Sir, we have a gentleman here that needs help. He's stopped breathing, he's not breathing and we are trying to pump him, but he's not, he's not...

Operator: Ok... ok, how old is he?

Caller from MJ's home: He's 50 years old, sir

Operator: Ok. He's not conscious, he's not breathing?

Caller from MJ's home: Yes, he's not breathing sir

Operator: And he's not conscious either?

Caller from MJ's home: No, he's not conscious sir

Operator: Ok (pause). Alright, is he on the floor, where's he at right now?

Caller from MJ's home: He's on the bed sir, he's on the bed

Operator: Ok let's get him on the floor

Caller from MJ's home: Ok

Operator: Ok let's get him down to the floor. I'm gonna help you with CPR right now, Ok

Caller from MJ's home: We need him... we need a...

Operator: Yes, we're already on our way there. We're on our way. I'm gonna do as far as I can to help you over the phone. We're already on our way. Did anybody see him?

Caller from MJ's home: Yes we have a personal doctor here with him, sir

Operator: Oh you have a doctor there?

Caller from MJ's home: Yes. But he's not responding to anything to no... no... he's not responding to the CPR or anything

Operator: Oh, OK. Well we're on our way there. If your guy is doing CPR and you're instructed by a doctor he has a higher authority than me. And he's there on the scene

Caller from MJ's home: Ok

Operator: Did anybody witness what happened?

Caller from MJ's home: No, just the doctor, sir. The doctor's been the only one here

Operator: Ok so did the doctor see what happened?

Doctor: did you see what happened sir? (inaudible voice) Sir, just, if you can please...

We are on our way. We are on our way. I'm just passing these questions on to my paramedics who are on their way there, sir.

Caller from MJ's home: Thank you sir. He's pumping, he's pumping his chest but he's not responding to anything sir. Please

Operator: Ok, OK, we are on our way. We are less than a mile away and we will be there shortly.

Caller from MJ's home: Thank you sir, thank you

Operator: Ok sir. Call us back if you need any help. Thank you

© 2009 Ranjan Kumar