The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 1998 there were 6,335,000 "motor vehicle traffic crashes!"  Over one-third of these involved injury or death.  (Source: Traffic Safety Facts 1998, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) If you are injured in a traffic accident, consider seeking medical attention immediately.  Stay calm and contact the police. Preserve the evidence!  Obtain names and phone numbers of witnesses and document important details.  As soon as possible, photograph the accident scene from as many different angles and positions as you can.  If possible, photograph all involved vehicles including license plates and any visible damage. Note the location of skid marks and any debris (broken glass, dirt from the underside of cars, taillight lenses, etc.)  Skid marks usually last about a week and can be a very important issue in auto accidents. Keep a diary and notes of anything you can recall about the accident scene; traffic conditions (heavy, light, etc.), weather (hot, dry, rainy, wet pavement, etc.), and sketch the accident site.  Locate positions of vehicles as you recall them.  Note and measure the position and direction of vehicles after impact.  Please contact us at: Dr. Gary A. Presswood, ScD, PE 9103 Alta Dr., Suite 1002 Las Vegas, Nevada 89145 702.233.8516  (Office) 702.233.8519 (Fax) 702.249.4801 (Mobile) e-mail:  crash@accidentexpert.com