After An Accident

Odds are nearly one-in-10 that you, or someone you know, will be involved in an accident this year. While some accidents involve other cars and extensive damage, most are minor fender-benders. Print this page and keep it in your glove compartment in case you get in an accident. This page includes 11 steps to take if you are involved in an accident.

1. Turn off your vehicle's engine and leave it where it is if you feel it's safe to do so. If you feel threatened or that your car is in danger of being hit by another car, slowly drive to a place where you feel safe, such as the side of the road or a well-lit parking lot.
2. Keep calm.
3. Are you injured? Assess the amount of impact and judge to what degree you may be hurt. If you think you're injured, stay in your vehicle and try to relax. Be honest if anyone asks how you are. Ask someone to call for help and let a professional assess your condition.
4. Assess your situation. When examining the possible damage to your vehicle, NEVER walk directly between two cars - if one is hit again, you could be trapped between the two vehicles.
5. Provide medical help to others ONLY if you are trained to do so.
6. Call the police. Dial 911 first. If that doesn't work, dial 0 and ask for the police.
7. Don't say the accident was your fault, even if you believe it was.
8. Be tactful and courteous, even if you are angry.
9. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. If you can't get their names, at least get their license plate numbers.
10. Exchange names, addresses, licenses numbers, and insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident.
11. If your vehicle is non-drivable and will need to be towed, instruct the towing company to tow the vehicle directly to the repair facility of your choice. This will help facilitate the insurance claims process.