Car accidents are traumatic. A lot is going to happen in a short amount of time and you might not know how to respond.
Here are some tips to follow if you find yourself in a non-fatal car crash.
What should you do at the time?
If you have a non-fatal crash, stop. Failing to stop is a serious offense, known as a hit and run. You could have injured someone who needs help. The best thing to do is immediately call 911.
Then, give the officer your license, registration, proof of insurance and address. Proof of insurance means that they need your policy number. Without this information, you could face heavy fines. You should also move your car to the shoulder, try to find the owner if you damage someone’s property and report the incident to the police.
What information do you need from the other driver?
Make sure you grab the following information from the other driver:
- Date of birth
- License number
- Name
- License plate number
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number
If the insurance policy belongs to someone else, grab the policyholder’s name. Likewise, if the vehicle belongs to someone else, grab their name. This information can help you get compensation for your damage, just like knowing crash statistics can.
If nothing else, make sure you note the date, time and location of the accident so you can report the incident. If the crash is serious enough that the police come out, make sure to have your license, registration and insurance information ready to show them so they can file the report.
