Resources > Driver Tips

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and a major contributor to workers’ compensation and liability costs, lost productivity and property loss.  Drivers, owners and operators should know the appropriate steps to take immediately following a work-related traffic accident.

Law Office of Adrienne N. Newsom provides excellent legal analysis of liability, evaluation of potential claims and defenses, scope of damages and practical consideration of client objectives, coupled with personal service and attention.  Individuals involved in a traffic collision (and their nonprofit employers) should have access to legal counsel to obtain advice in the critical moments following an accident, particularly depending on its severity and the circumstances.

Ms. Newsom prides herself on being available at all times because traffic accidents are not limited to traditional office hours. While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a legal action, we can guarantee to make client satisfaction a top priority. Our commitment to service includes personally and promptly responding to calls and to devoting attorney time and attention to each client.

Tips For Drivers Involved In A Traffic Accident

  • Move your vehicle out of traffic as soon as it's safe.
  • Call police and paramedics if necessary.
  • If the accident happened while you were working or en route to work, call your employer to report the accident and get advice. 
  • Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured ONLY if you are able to do so without harming yourself.
  • Show your driver's license, vehicle registration and evidence of insurance to the other driver and the police officer.
  • Provide written evidence of your insurance coverage to the police officer. Include the name of your employer’s insurance company and the policy number [if the accident happened while you were working].
  • Make sure the accident is reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Sacramento within 10 days if property damage exceeds $500 or there are any injuries.  
  • DO NOT Discuss the financial amounts of your/your employer’s insurance with anyone.
  • DO NOT Discuss responsibility for the accident or circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police, your employer (only personnel with a need to know), an identified representative of your/your employer’s insurance company, or an attorney retained to act on your behalf.

Back to Top

Record all important information as soon as possible after the accident while it is fresh in your mind. Keeping track of these details will assist you later should you need to file a claim or should you or your employer be sued.

  • When the Accident Happened (Date/Time)
  • Where the Accident Happened
    • Street(s)
    • City
  • Traffic Collision Report information
    • Local Police or California Highway Patrol  
    • Division / Department   
    • Report #  
  • The Other Party
    • Name
    • Address
    • Phone number(s)
    • Drivers license number
    • Date of birth
    • Registered owner of vehicle
    • Insurance company
    • Policy number
  • The Other Auto
    • License number (with state)
    • Year
    • Make/model
    • Color
    • Number of passengers
    • If any were minors
    • Others involved (names, addresses and phone numbers)
    • Pedestrian(s)
    • Passenger(s)
    • Witness(es)
    • Others
    • Describe their location
  • Damage
    • Describe how the accident occurred. Be as detailed as possible. Draw a diagram if you think it will assist you later to recall what happened.
    • Describe the type and location of damage to the vehicle you were driving.
    • Describe the type and location of damage to the other car or other property.

Back To Top