How to Create a Car Accident Preparedness Kit

Car accidents can happen at any time- and always happen when you least expect it. No person ever knows how they will react immediately after a motor vehicle accident, which is why it is important to keep a car accident preparedness kit in your vehicle. Follow these simple steps to create a kit for your car today.

Things You'll Need

• Small bag
• Checklist
• Pen
• Flashlight
• Camera
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Number List

Instructions

1. Take a small canvas bag that is durable that can stay inside your vehicle at all times. Fill it with the items that will be listed below. Once you have filled it, find a permanent place in your vehicle where you can keep it so you will be ready in the event of an accident.

2. The checklist is one of the most important things you will keep in your kit. Write down the most important things you need to check or ask immediately after an accident. 1) Check for injuries, call 911 if necessary; 2) Look at vehicle damage and determine whether it is a safe area to stay; 3) Take pictures of the accident scene before moving either vehicle 4) Don't say anything to the other driver (other than exchange of information) until police arrive; 5) Ask for driver's license, insurance and vehicle information. This checklist will provide a guideline to keeping your cool during a very stressful and sometimes scary time.

3. Keep a pad of paper, a capped pen and a pencil in your bag at all times. Have the list of necessary information already filled out, with blanks next to them to be completed. Write down the following for the other party: Name, Driver's License Number, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth, Their Insurance Name, Their Insurance Policy Number, Their Insurance Phone Number, License Plate Number, Make Model and Year of Vehicle, Color of Vehicle, VIN Number of vehicle. Having this filled out in advance will save time and will keep you from forgetting all of the information you might need.

4. A mini-tape recorder will be a great addition to your kit. Before you say anything to any person (and vice versa), turn on a tape recorder. This will help clarify an discrepancies in the future. Oftentimes people say things immediately after an accident that they later deny. This will be proof that things were said or fault was admitted.

5. Take lots of pictures. A picture is really worth a thousand words in any accident. Try to take pictures before you leave the immediate area of the accident- take photos from the front, rear and both sides of each vehicle, as well as any pictures of the road in relation to the vehicles or any landmarks that stick out and make the exact point of impact easy to recognize. Also take pictures of street signs and lights from your vehicle's point of view as well as the other vehicle's point of view. This can help determine fault if the question ever comes up at a later time. Once you move your vehicles, take more pictures of the damages that were done, as well as of any injuries.

6. Keep a flashlight in your emergency kit just in case the accident happens at night. You want to be able to see if anything is leaking from your vehicle to determine whether or not it is a hazard to stay close, also you want to be able to examine yourself, passengers or others involved for injuries. Keep the flashlight in your first aid kit so you can have easy access to all emergency supplies that may also be necessary.

7. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone, in your glove compartment and in your emergency kit. You never know if part of your vehicle will be demolished, and you may not be able to tell people who to call in case of emergency. Keep a list of phone numbers including loved ones to be contacted, personal physician information and health insurance information (if you have insurance).

Tips & Warnings

• Although it may be difficult, it is extremely important to stay calm after an accident. Thinking straight will help you keep your mind focused on the necessary steps to make the accident claim process easier on you in the long run.