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Car Accident Client Questionnaire

Below are the questions we ask when first meeting with a car accident client. One of the purposes of the initial consultation is to discuss the details of the client’s car accident by asking some basic questions about the accident. This meeting helps us to decide whether we should represent the client and, if so, evaluate the strength of their case. These questions we ask are based upon our years of experience in handling car accident matters and are designed to discover the relevant facts of our client’s case.

The Accident

1. How and where did the accident happen?
2. What time of the day did the crash occur?
3. What were the weather conditions for the ten-minute period prior to the accident up through the time of the incident?
4. Were there any obstructions to your (or the driver’s) vision for the 1 minute period prior to the accident?

Your Vehicle and Occupants

1. Who was the owner of the car you were in?
2. Did you own a car on the date of the incident and did you live with any relative who owned a car. Please provide information in detail.
3. Were you driving or a passenger?
4. How many people were in your vehicle?
5. Who were they?
6. Where was each person seated?
7. Were you wearing a seatbelt/shoulder harness? To your knowledge, was the seatbelt working properly?

Speed, Visibility and Pre-Impact Actions

1. Did you see the other vehicle at any time prior to the collision? If so, how much before?
2. What was the speed of the vehicle you were driving (or in which you were a passenger) before any braking or any evasive maneuvers were done?
3. If you saw the other vehicle before the collision, what do you estimate the speed of that vehicle was immediately before the collision?
4. Did you honk the horn before the impact?
5. Did you apply the brake at any time prior to the impact?
6. Did the driver of the other vehicle honk the horn before the impact?
7. Did the driver of the other vehicle apply the brake at any time prior to the impact?
8. Did any of the vehicles involved in the collision attempt any maneuver in an attempt to avoid the impact?

The Impact and Vehicle Damage

1. What happened to the vehicle you were in after the impact?
2. What happened to the other vehicle after the impact?
3. Describe the force of the impact between the vehicles.
4. Describe the extent of any damage to any of the vehicles involved in the collision.
5. Do you know if any pictures of either of the vehicles involved in the collision were taken? If so, who took them and do you have them?

Insurance Coverage

1. Did the vehicle you were driving (or in which you were a passenger) have automobile insurance? If so, with what company and what policy? Do you know the various coverage limits — PIP, bodily injury liability, uninsured motorist, etc.?
2. Insurance on any vehicle you own (same questions as above).
3. Insurance on any vehicle owned by any resident relative.

Police, Cell Phones and Witnesses

1. Did the police come to the scene? Who contacted the police, if you know?
2. Were you (or the driver of your vehicle) using a cell phone or any other device in any manner within the 5 minutes prior to the incident up through the time of the incident?
3. Who was your cell phone provider and what is your cell phone number? If you weren’t the driver, what is the cell phone number of the driver of the vehicle you were riding in and who was the provider?
4. Did you hear the driver of the other vehicle say anything or do you know of anything the other driver said?

Your Injuries

1. When did you first realize that you were injured as a result of the crash and what parts of your body were injured?
2. Did any part of your body strike any part of the interior of the vehicle as a result of the impact?
3. Are there any pictures of you depicting any of the injuries you sustained as a result of the automobile crash?

Want to Know More?

Since 1982, Alan Sackrin has represented clients throughout Florida in recovering monetary damages for car accident injuries. Alan is a Board Certified Civil Trial Expert who has spent years evaluating accident facts, applying the law, and has effectively asked juries to render favorable verdicts for his clients.

See Sample Case Verdicts and Settlements

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• Car Accident FAQ

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