BE YOUR OWN INVESTIGATOR FOR SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENTS

Suggestions for setting up an accident investigation program which can help prevent higher insurance premiums and litigation are given. One should have a written accident policy which is to be followed whenever a vehicle is involved in an accident, provide checklists to make sure nothing is forgotten, pencils, pens, report forms, 35mm camera, flash, film, measuring devices, foul-weather gear, and safety devices such as flares. The person doing the investigation should note the position of vehicles, signs, etc., draw an on site sketch of the accident scene, note damage to vehicles, surroundings, victims, measure skid marks, take photographs and not allow onlookers to obscure the scene. Working with the authorities can be extremely helpful since many of them have limited on the scene accident investigation experience.