When giving a statement, you will have to provide a car accident description to your insurance provider or the other party’s insurer. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles states that your description should include:
- Your name.
- License number.
- The time and date of the crash.
- Other parties involved.
- The location of the crash.
You can also:
- Include a chronological account of what happened from your point of view.
- Keep several things in mind when writing your description.
- Refrain from speculating about who bears the fault for the accident.
- Refrain from making statements about your injuries.
Stick to the Facts so the Insurer Can’t Argue That You Admitted Fault
When writing a description of the car accident scene, always be honest and stick to the facts. You may want to write down what you experienced before speaking to an insurer. This will help you remember details and avoid saying anything that could compromise your claim.
Tell your experience from your point of view in chronological order, starting a few minutes before the accident. You may begin by noting which road you were driving on and which direction you were traveling.
You may also note any details about your surroundings, such as other vehicles on the road or landmarks. When you describe the accident, make sure to report what you felt, saw, and heard. You may not have seen certain aspects of the crash, so describing what you felt and heard can compensate for this.
Accident?Contact Parrish Today
571-229-1800Avoid Discussing Fault, as You Might Not Know How the Other Driver Was Negligent
An insurer may try to ask you questions about who bears the fault for the accident. Do not answer them. You are only required to describe the facts from your point of view. Avoid making assumptions about what caused the crash or whether you contributed to it at all.
Even if you believe you share the fault for the crash, do not say anything that the insurer could take out of context. For example, avoid using “because” or “since,” as they imply cause and effect. Simply detail what you saw, heard, and felt minute by minute.
Additionally, refrain from detailing any conversations you had with the other parties involved after the crash. You may have asked them if they were alright and exchanged insurance information. It’s okay to mention this, but do not include anything else that was said when giving your description.
Insurers May Try to Use Your Statement Against You
By sticking to the facts, you may prevent an insurer from taking your statement out of context and assigning you the fault for the accident. They may try to use anything you say to undervalue or deny your claim.
Avoid Discussing Your Injuries so the Insurer Cannot Undervalue Your Losses
It takes time to assess car accident injuries, especially if they do not manifest symptoms immediately. For example, Mayo Clinic notes that it can take weeks to feel the effects of whiplash.
Avoid making any statements about how you felt after the accident, such as “once I realized I was okay,” or “I only felt a little pain.” Insurers can draw conclusions about your losses from commonplace statements. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries to avoid compensating you fairly.
If they ask about how you feel, you can say you do not wish to discuss that. Instead, you can assert that you are seeing a doctor.
Car Accident Description Examples to Guide You in Writing Your Description
To get a better idea of how to write a car accident description, take a look at the example below:
“Around noon on December 7, I was driving eastbound on Westpark Drive when I arrived at the traffic light of the Westbranch Drive intersection. I did not have any passengers in my car. I came to a complete stop, and I was behind a white Explorer SUV. I was wearing my seatbelt.
About a minute later, I felt and heard another vehicle rear-end me. My head and chest lunged forward upon impact, and I felt, heard, and saw my car move forward into the Explorer immediately after. My airbags were deployed during the impact. After checking for oncoming traffic, I got out of the car and called the police. The car behind me was a black Honda Civic.”
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How a Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help You Pursue Car Accident Damages
If you choose to hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, they could review your statement before submitting to the insurance company. They can:
- Offer guidance on how to write a car accident description
- Prevent you from saying anything that would compromise your claim
- Step in and handle all communications with insurers after you provide the initial accident damage description
Work with the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC After a Car Accident That Results in Losses
You do not have to take on an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit alone. You have a right to legal representation, and the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our lawyers can guide you through a car accident description and protect you from unfair practices when dealing with insurers.
For a free consultation, call us at (571) 229-1800.
Call or text 571-229-1800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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