Steps You Should Take In The Event Of An Accident

If you get into an accident, the natural response is to panic and not think clearly. It may be helpful to keep a copy of this list in your car, just in case.

PULL OVER CAREFULLY

First, turn on your hazard lights. Then, try to pull your car over to the side of the road, if your vehicle is drivable. Whether you are able to pull to the side or not, you need to check your surroundings first, and the roadway, to make sure it is safe to exit the vehicle.

BE A GOOD SAMARITAN

While you want to be a Good Samaritan and inquire as to whether anyone else involved is okay, you do not want to admit fault. You may be very shaken up, and it may seem polite to say, “Oh, my gosh, are you alright? I’m so terribly sorry; it was entirely my fault.” Of course, ask if they are alright, but by all means, do not say anything to admit fault under any circumstances. Remain at the scene and do what you can to provide aid and assistance to any injured party, but do not say anything that can be construed as admitting fault.

DOCUMENT THE DETAILS

All parties (drivers, passengers, pedestrians involved, and witnesses) should exchange the following personal information:
• name
• address
• phone number
• driver’s licence information
• registration plate number
• and insurance information (insurance company name, policy number, and insurance agency’s phone number if available).
• if the other vehicle is a work vehicle, get the employer’s name and number
• any injuries (name of person, type of injury)

You also should document the conditions, including:
• date and time of the accident
• weather
• road conditions (weather, type of road, visibility)
• whether you had on your turn signal/indicator lights
• your approximate speed

MAKE TWO DIAGRAMS

• Make a drawing of each vehicle to document the damage to each vehicle involved. Don’t just say the side of the car; indicate which side. Draw a little picture of the car and put an X to mark points of damage.

• Make a second drawing to show the position of all vehicles, persons, and animals in the roadway. Note if there are any traffic signals, signs, or roadway markings.

TAKE PHOTOS

Use your mobile or keep a disposable camera in your car, and get several pictures of the accident scene, showing the position of the two vehicles. This is also handy if the other party drives away before you can write down their registration plate information; just quickly get a shot of their registration plate number and as many pictures you can take of the vehicle itself, so the police can use this to locate them later.

When a police officer arrives, ask for his name and police ID number, and ask for a copy of any accident report he writes.

Finally, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.