STEP 1
Stop your car in as safe a place as possible. Turn off the ignition and get out carefully. If there are injuries, administer first aid, but usually, an injured person should not be moved.
STEP 2
Call the police (911 in most places) and be sure to tell them about any injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.
STEP 3
If possible, move the car to a safer place to prevent additional damage. If your car cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights and ask the investigating officers to help you set up flares.
STEP 4
If another car was involved, record the car's year, make, model, license plate number, and the name of the driver's insurance company. If the driver doesn't own the car, get the name of the car's owner. Also get the names and addresses of any other witnesses.
STEP 5
Write down the names and badge numbers of police and ask when the police report will be available.
STEP 6
If you think the other driver was under the influence, ask for breath tests.
STEP 7
Cooperate with the police and other people involved, but don't acknowledge blame for the accident or say how much insurance you carry.
STEP 8
If the other person takes responsibility for the accident, do not accept
any money as it may nullify your right to file a claim against the other
driver.
STEP 9
Never agree to forget about an accident, even if there appears to be no damage. You may find out later that there were hidden damages or injuries or the other person has filed a lawsuit against you.
STEP 10
Write down an account of what happened and everything pertinent to the accident: time of day, weather, hazards, road conditions and driving speed. Draw a rough diagram of the site, showing stop signs, signal lights, and warning signs. Note any pre-exisiting damage on other cars involved.
STEP 11
If a camera is available, take pictures of the damage, position of the cars, and any skid marks or other evidence.
STEP 12
Report the accident to your insurance agent or company.
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