Car Emergencies:
V. What to do after an accident (Keep the printable checklist below in your car.)
First of all, always call 911 if there are any injuries!
Try to stay calm. Take some deep breathes and assess your surroundings and consider what to do next based on your health and the safety of the environment that now surrounds you.
NEVER leave the scene of an accident you are involved in!!! It is against the law! You must stay and follow the following procedures.
But know that even if damage looks minor or you feel okay at the accident scene remember some minor looking damage is actually very expensive to fix. Some insurance companies require a formal accident report to cover damage and medical bills.
Plus, right after an accident energizing adrenaline is pumping in your body possibly masking some pain and internal injuries, so it is always best to call 911 if in doubt.
Always call 911 if:
What to do next (if you are not injured and can move freely):
First of all, always call 911 if there are any injuries!
Try to stay calm. Take some deep breathes and assess your surroundings and consider what to do next based on your health and the safety of the environment that now surrounds you.
NEVER leave the scene of an accident you are involved in!!! It is against the law! You must stay and follow the following procedures.
But know that even if damage looks minor or you feel okay at the accident scene remember some minor looking damage is actually very expensive to fix. Some insurance companies require a formal accident report to cover damage and medical bills.
Plus, right after an accident energizing adrenaline is pumping in your body possibly masking some pain and internal injuries, so it is always best to call 911 if in doubt.
Always call 911 if:
- There are injuries or you have any new aches or discomfort.
- The other driver is acting drunk, on drugs, acts suspicious, or is threatening.
- Your airbags deploy.
- Your car is un-drivable and/or there is more than a few scratches of damage.
What to do next (if you are not injured and can move freely):
- If you can move your car to the side of the road do so AFTER you have takes some pictures of the scene discreetly and respectfully. The other car's driver may be doing the same and that is okay.
- If you can move your car off to the side of the road ONLY do so if there is no dispute about who caused the accident and it does not have any leaking fluids, smoke, fire.
- Raise your hood or set out flares to signal other drivers to move safely around the scene.
- NEVER ADMIT FAULT. Don't say you are sorry (even if you are); you can ask if the other person is okay or if you can help them if it appears they need help.
- It is the law that you and the other driver must exchange contact and insurance information- name, address, driver's license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number. (Always carry some paper and a writing instrument in your glove box for copying information like this down.)
- Do NOT reveal too much information. The other driver does not need to know your insurance terms or coverage amounts. The other driver doesn't need to know where you or your parents work or how much money they make, etc.
- Ask any witnesses at the scene for their contact information IF they are willing to share it. The police officer may take care of this for you in their accident report.
- If the other driver is acting aggressive, remain in your car and lock it if possible until police arrive.
auto_accident_checklist_printable.pdf | |
File Size: | 4152 kb |
File Type: |