THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 14, 1994 TAG: 9410130073
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHRISTINA BRUNSON, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
I FELT THE seat belt tightening across my chest as I jerked toward the steering wheel. Then the sound of the collision. Then it was over.
Fortunately, my first automobile accident was not serious.
I drove into the nearest parking lot, where my brother freed me from the grip of the seatbelt. I got out of my car. Luckily, my bumper was only pushed in about 3 inches. The other driver's license plate was slightly bent. Everyone claimed to be fine, so we did not call the police. We just hurried off to school. By this time, I was worried about missing my AP history test, not the accident. After all, everything seemed fine. Luckily, it was.
At the time, I was afraid to call the police. I didn't really know what to do. But I have since learned a few things every new driver should know about what to do if they get in a wreck.
Scott F. Kuebler, an officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department, recommends that the police be called.
``If an accident occurs, you need to report it right away,'' he said.
Then, if at all possible, move the cars out of the way of traffic. Exchange insurance and identification information with the other party or parties involved. Remaining calm can help the police keep things running smoothly.
If you are not happy with police findings or feel they are incomplete, you have the option of contacting a lawyer. Donald W. Marcari, a lawyer with Joynes and Bieber, advises seeing a law firm with an investigator as soon as possible in this situation.
He added that ``the police are out there to coordinate traffic and make sure that everyone's safe. When that's done, their job is finished.''
Reporting an accident is important.
If anyone is injured or the estimated damage is more than $1,000, an accident report must be filed. If there are no injuries and the damage is less than $1,000, a report will not be filed.
The police can also coordinate information and insurance exchange among the parties involved if the need arises, Officer Kuebler said. In more serious cases, the police can measure skid marks, take pictures, look at property damage and interview witnesses.
When asked to make a statement, formal or not, never admit the accident was your fault, Marcari said.
``After you're in an accident, and you're shaken up, you may not know what happened. You may be assuming things,'' Marcari said.
He added, ``Don't make any statements of guilt, but don't lie.''
If in an accident, do not leave the scene without talking to and exchanging information with the other party. To leave without talking to anyone is a misdemeanor, a crime that may or may not result in jail time.
Notifying insurance companies is also important.
If someone hits you and they have no insurance, you may end up suing your own insurance company. In this instance, Marcari suggests seeing a lawyer.
``Virginia is one of the few states left that has contributory negligence laws, which means if you were 1 percent at fault and contributed to the accident, you cannot recover damages,'' he said.
Any soreness or pain should be checked out by a doctor. Soft tissue damage, such as whiplash, occurs even in fender-benders, Marcari said.
The most important thing to do when in an accident is to call the police. They are trained to handle the situation properly.
As Marcari said, ``A seemingly minor accident can really cause serious damage to both the people in the car and to the car itself.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Christina Brunson is a senior at Kempsville.
by CNB