The heiress to the Mars, Inc. candy fortune recently crossed the median and collided with a minivan in northern Virginia. Police state that 73-year-old Jacqueline Badger Mars was westbound on Route 50 near Briar Patch Lane in Aldie, when her Porsche SUV crossed over into oncoming traffic at about 2:30 p.m. on October 8, 2013. 86-year-old Irene Ellisor of Huntsville, Texas, a passenger in the back seat of the minivan, died at the scene. Authorities state that they have not filed charges against Ms. Mars, as the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
What to do after an accident
Especially after a sudden and totally unexpected high-speed collision on a freeway, it is easy to panic and lose sight of what to do after an accident. Hampton personal injury attorneys always suggest the following procedure in an accident:
- If people are injured, call 911. Do not move injured people any more than possible and, by all means, do not attempt any sort of heroic or dangerous rescue.
- Do not discuss the accident. There is a time and place to talk about who had the right-of-way and who did not, but an accident scene is not the time or place. If people try to engage you in such a conversation, politely say that you need to speak with your attorney.
- Do not admit liability. In the same vein, resist the temptation to say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.”
- Gather evidence. Take as many pictures as possible and talk to as many witnesses as possible, regardless of whether you believe such evidence helps or hurts your case. Be sure and get witness contact information.
- Call an attorney. Call an attorney before you call your insurance company. An attorney can help you make the call to the insurance company and make sure that you do not say anything incriminating. An attorney can also get you in to see a doctor, even if you have no money and no insurance.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact a law firm whose attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience for a free consultation.*
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