Auto Accident Check List

Auto Accident Check List

Did you know more than 6 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States in 2007. Nearly 30 percent of those crashes (1.71 million) resulted in an injury, and fewer than 1 percent (37,248) resulted in a death. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) [Crashes : 2007]

The odds of being in at least one acident in your lifetime is extremely high and more probable each year.

Below is a list of helpful tips so you know what to do if you are involved in one of these unfortunate incidents. Provided by the Independent Insurance Agents of America

Stop! Do Not Leave The Scene

  • Call the police immediately to report any accident, no matter how small, which results in personal injury or vehicle damage.
  • Notify the police as to any medical assistance that may be needed or any vehicle that is not drivable.
  • Warn other motorists by turning on your cehicle’s flashers and setting up flares or other reflective devices starting 50 feet behind your vehicle. Signal for assistance by tying a handkerchief or anything white to the vehicle’s antenna.
  • Do not accept responsibility or otherwise discuss the accident with anyone except police authorities and your independent insurance agent. Do not accept any monetary settlement at the accident scene.
  • Remain calm and courteous.

Exchange Information With The Other Driver

  • Write down driver’s license number, license plate number, and state. Get the insurance company name and policy number, plus make, model, year and description of vehicle. Lastly, record the name, address and telephone numbers of the driver.
  • Write down the names and address of all passengers, injured persons or anyone with property damage.
  • Get the names and contact information from at least two withnesses if possible. This is very important when the fault of an accident is questionable.

Diagram The Accident Before Leaving The Scene

  • Note time of day, weather and condition of roadway (wet, icy, dry).
  • Show position of all vehicles before and after the accident-plus location of signs, streets and medians.
  • Note any apparent damage to not only your vehicle, but all vehicles involved in the accident.
  • Write down any details you feel are important.