CarReviewsOnline.Net

Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/after_car_accident.shtml

* Always have an emergency car kit that includes cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Also, make sure you have a pen and a card with relevant emergency and medical information for you and your family.

Immediately After a Car Accident

1. Breathe deeply and stay calm.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call 911/the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agency.
8. Get the other driver’s information.
• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Car make and color
• Vehicle license plate number
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number
• If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down.
9. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved.
10. If possible, get witness information.
11. Be polite. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts.
• Don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
• Don’t accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time.
• Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police.
• Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
12. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
13. Do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
14. Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.