Accident Scene
This document is usually created by the responding officer and summarizes what happened at the crash.
What is a police report?
Which document proves a vehicle is legally registered?
Vehicle Registration
This is the number the insurance company gives every accident after it's reported.
Claim Number
What is the first thing you should do after opening a claim?
Begin investigating liability.
A new client walks into the office.
What is the very first thing the law firm does?
Client Intake
Name three things you should photograph at an accident scene.
Vehicle damage
Roadway
Traffic signs/signals
Skid marks
Debris
Injuries
License plates
Which document tells the insurance company who was driving and what happened?
Client Intake Sheet
Who works for the insurance company and investigates the accident?
Claims Adjuster
What is a witness?
Someone who saw the accident happen.
Name three questions you would ask a new client.
Where?
When?
How?
Injuries?
Seatbelt?
Police?
Witnesses?
Insurance?
True or False:
If both drivers tell different stories, the insurance company simply picks one.
False.
They investigate using evidence.
What document allows a law firm to obtain medical records?
HIPAA Authorization
True or False
The first thing an insurance company wants to know is whether the policy was active.
True
True or False
Photos can change who is found at fault.
True
A client forgets to mention there was a witness.
Why is that important?
Witnesses can help prove liability.
You arrive at an accident scene.
What is the FIRST thing you should check before worrying about vehicle damage?
Is everyone safe and are there injuries?
Match the document:
Shows how much it will cost to repair the vehicle.
Body Shop Estimate
Which insurance is First Party?
A.Your own insurance
B.The other driver's insurance
Your own insurance
The insurance company receives Ring camera footage after the claim was opened.
Why is this important?
It may prove who caused the accident.
The client says,
"I think the accident happened around lunch."
Is that enough information?
No.
You need the most accurate time possible because details matter.
List five pieces of evidence that help determine who caused an accident.
Police report
Photos
Witness statements
Dashcam
Surveillance video
Vehicle damage
Skid marks
Name four documents you would expect inside a brand-new client's file.
Driver's license
Insurance card
Registration
Police report
Photos
Medical records
HIPAA
Intake
You call to report an accident.
Name five questions the insurance company will ask.
Who was driving?
When?
Where?
Were there injuries?
Police report?
Vehicle damage?
Witnesses?
Was it drivable?
A witness says the Honda had a green light.
The other driver says they did.
What should the insurance company do?
Continue investigating.
Review evidence.
Do not decide based on one person's story.
Your client hands you:
Put these in the order you would use them to open a claim and explain why.