What should I do in case I'm involved in an auto accident?

A:

Stop your car at once and render all possible aid to any injured people and send for an ambulance if needed. Do not move an injured person unless there is danger of another accident.

Call the police to report the auto accident, even if the accident was minor. Auto accidents involving any injuries or property damage of $1000 or more are required to be reported to the police or sheriff's department.

Stay at the scene until the police have arrived and questioned everyone involved. If you can, move your car off the road so that you do not block traffic.

If you happen to have a camera, take photographs of the scene of the accident.

Bear in mind that anything you say to others following the accident may be admissible, so when making any statements, try to be as accurate as you can. Be polite and considerate of the other driver's situation, but do not apologize or say that the accident may have been partially your fault just to make the other driver feel better.

Record the other driver's:

• Name and address (make sure the name is the same as on the license)
• Make, model and year of car
• Driver's license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company name
• Description of damage to vehicle

Note:

• The time, date and place of the accident
• The color of the traffic light at the time of the accident if that was a factor
• The position and direction of travel of vehicles and pedestrians before and after the crash
• Bad weather or roadway conditions
• Lighting conditions at the time of the accident
• If a parked car is damaged, try to find the owner. Leave a note in a place where the owner can find it containing:
  1. Your name and address
  2. Your driver's license number
  3. Your license plate number
  4. The date and time of the accident
  5. A description of the damage