Stop at once and identify yourself.

Show your driver's license and registration to the other driver, the injured persons, and to any police officer.



If the collision is severe and injuries appear serious, call an ambulance.

If you feel you were injured in any way, see a physician promptly. It is important for you to seek treatment right away.

Report the collision to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days if property damage exceeds $____(check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm amount) and / or injuries or death results.

Write a complete description of the collision as soon as possible. If possible, take pictures, even if this means returning to the scene of the accident at a later time.

Notify your insurance company of the collision, even if the claim appears small and there are no apparent injuries. Settling the claim yourself is dangerous. Follow all prescribed procedures when reporting an accident to your insurance company.

Be aware of the "Appraisal Clause" in your insurance policy. If the insurance company and the body shop cannot agree on what the repairs should cost, this could provide a means for fair settlement.

Have even minor damage repaired after your collision. Letting your car go unrepaired can cost you in the long run. Dents and rust spots deduct from the resale or trade-in value of your car. You will pay for it eventually, so drive a car that's in first class condition now.

Get These Facts:

When did the accident happen?
Date
Time

Where did it happen?
Street
City

Was anyone injured?
Pedestrian?
Your passenger?

Other?

Name
Address

Was there a witness?
Name
Address

Was there a police report taken?
Department
Report#

The other party
Name
Address
Phone#
Driver's license #
DOB
Registered owner of the vehicle
Insurance Company
Policy #

The Other Auto
License Plate #
State
Year
Make/Model
Color
Number of Passengers

Draw a diagram of the accident showing the direction of the vehicles involved and the point of accident. Show street names and location of street signs, stop signs, lights etc. Describe any other damage or pertinent information.

Things You Should Not Do:

Do not discuss responsibility.

Do not discuss the circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police and a positively identified representative of your insurance company.

Never give a signed statement to the claims adjuster representing the other driver's insurance company. The same goes for a phone recording. If you are being pressured, you may wish to consult an attorney.

Don't accept a check for the repair of your car until you're sure it covers all necessary repairs. As the owner, you are the person who is responsible for having your car repaired to your satisfaction. Choosing a quality repair shop is an important decision in assuring your satisfaction.

Don't be fooled by the "lowest estimate". There is a big difference in body shops. A low bid could reflect an incomplete job. When some items (such as alignment) are overlooked on a repair, the consequences to the driver can be serious. An improperly repaired car, especially one with heavy structural damage, is like a time bomb waiting to go off. Exercise your right to determine which shop will repair your car. Make sure every detail has been attended to and repaired to your complete satisfaction before signing any insurance company release.

Don't allow your car to be towed to a repair shop you are not familiar with. Don't authorize repairs by signing a towing release unless you have decided to have your care repaired by the shop your car is being towed to. Read and understand all papers before you sign them.