How to Handle a Traffic Collision

For those involved, traffic collision have be very traumatic experiences. This article is designed to give you an on scene check list to help you deal with the situation if you are ever involved in a traffic collision.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen/Pencil
• Paper
• Insurance
• Phone
• Camera

1. PULL OVER: If you are able and your car is drivable, pull your car off the roadway. This will keep everyone from both blocking traffic and causing more hazards for the traffic moving around you.
2. ASSESS INJURIES: Find out if everyone in your car is okay. You will need this information when you call for authorities so you can give them accurate information.
3. CALL POLICE: Call for police and any rescue personnel required (Ambulance/Fire). Let them know where, when and who is involved if you can. Tell them of any injuries or hazards caused by the accident or any other information that they need to properly assist you.
4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION: If you are not injured, calmly approach the other parties and get their name, address, phone number, insurance information (name, phone number, and policy number), vehicle information (make, model, color, license plate number).
5. WITNESS INFORMATION: If anyone was a witness and is willing to come forward, get their name, address and phone numbers. If you have extra paper, ask them to write down what they saw.
6. PHOTOGRAPH DAMAGE: Take pictures of the damages to the vehicles and any obvious injuries (get permission from the injured parties before taking their picture as a courtesy).

Tips & Warnings

• Get information even if there is a police report as sometimes it takes a while for the reports to be released by the department, especially if the accident is bad.
• Keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment if you do not have a camera on your cell phone.
• Keep a first aid kit and emergency kit in your car to deal with injuries and such until help arrives.
• Review your insurance policy before an accident so you know what coverages you have.
• Do Not admit fault to the other driver or police, even if you think you were wrong. Laws can be confusing and in some cases it is possible that you are not at fault even if you think you are. Your admission will be held against you if this goes to court.
• Do Not rely on a police report for information about your case. The police do not regularly come to accident scenes.