The Do’s and Don’ts Following a Vehicle Accident
Auto accidents can be scary – even the smallest fender bender can be stressful. In addition to the inconvenience of a car accident, you will probably have to deal with auto body repair, liability issues, perhaps even a traffic citation. Maybe your vehicle is not drivable or perhaps you’re stranded by the side of the road. And worst case scenario, perhaps you or someone you love has been injured and needs medical assistance. You need to know how to be prepared to calmly and properly handle the situation.
After a Car Accident Checklist
Do:
- Remain calm and polite
- Stay at the scene
- Check for injuries and call an ambulance if needed
- Move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible
- Put on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones or flares if you have them
- Find a safe place off the road to exchange insurance and contact information
- Call police, even if minor accident
- Notify your insurance agent immediately
- Register your insurance claim quickly as some insurance companies have time limits on when a claim can be filed
- Call a tow truck service if your vehicle cannot be driven
Don’t:
- Leave the scene
- Admit it’s your fault
- Discuss your coverage limits
- Sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent
Information to gather immediately following a car accident:
- Collect names, phone numbers, addresses of all occupants and any witnesses
- Make note of number of occupants in the other car(s)
- Write down location of accident, such as intersection/address/exit number
- Write down insurance company name, policy number and contact number for other drivers involved
- If emergency services were required, write down the police, ambulance and/or fire department name, corresponding phone numbers. Take note of the officer’s name and badge number
Document the car accident scene with photographs of the following:
- Damage to the vehicles and/or property
- Placement of vehicles/road conditions/skid marks/roadway debris
- Location identifiers such as intersection/address/exit number
- Identification cards, insurance cards, license plates
If you need any work done after a car accident, or existing damage repaired, contact the Collision Center of Andover, a trusted name in auto body repair all around the Wichita area, at (316) 733-9310, and we will get you back on the road.
photo credit: Donald Lee Pardue via photopin cc
