What To Do In Case Of An Accident

Statistically, it’s almost impossible not to be involved in a traffic accident.  Depending on your information source, the average person will be involved in an auto accident every seven to 10 years.

Having your car damaged, and then dealing with a body shop, insurance company, a car rental company and others can be a confusing and stressful time.  The following information is designed to help make that time, a little less stressful.

Accident Do’s and Don’ts

If you are involved in an accident:

Do

• Check to ensure that you are not injured.  If you are uninjured, check others in your car to make sure they are uninjured.  Then, check with any other involved parties.
• If anyone is injured, immediately call 911.  Render first aid if possible.
• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
• If you suspect the other party is driving impaired, call police immediately.
• If you suspect the other party is driving illegally, call police immediately.
• Exchange information with other involved parties.  This would include name, address, phone number, vehicle license plate number, driver’s license number and the name of the insurance company and contact.  If they refuse to provide proper information or don’t have it, call police immediately.  If the information does not seem to coincide.  For example, the name on the license does not match the name on the insurance or registration, contact police immediately.
• Secure names and contact information from any witnesses.
• Today, everyone has a smart phone with a camera.  Photograph the scene of the accident and the condition of all vehicles and property involved.  Take a recognizable face photo of the other parties involved if possible.
• Make a record of the accident for yourself including time, location, weather conditions, traffic conditions and a brief description of the accident.
• Describe the accident to proper authorities exactly as it occurred.
• Contact your insurance company.  They may be able to provide other valuable information and may ask for additional information from you such as a copy of the police report.

Don’t

• Never leave the scene of an accident even if it seems slight. If in doubt, contact police.  If nothing else, this will create a record of your call.
• Don’t leave the scene of an accident without first securing information from other parties involved. 
• Don’t discuss any personal information regarding your physical condition or mental frame of mind. 

Remember, you have a choice of where to bring your car for repair.  We hope you contact AGC Collision at (323) 663-8076