As a professional driver for the federal government, we are trained on following a car accident procedure. Do you know the steps on how to safeguard yourself?
The first thing you are going to need is a car accident procedure kit. You can make one of these for almost nothing and you should have one for every vehicle you drive.
Car Accident Procedure Kit
The items you will need in your car accident procedure kit are:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Chalk
- Registration Information
- Car Insurance Information
Take all of these items and put them in a small shipping envelope or a freezer bag. For paper I like to use the 5” X 8” jr legal pads because they fit nicely inside the small shipping envelopes. Your car insurance and vehicle registration information should be placed in a separate bag by themselves in case you are stopped for a routine traffic stop and don’t have to dig through things in your car accident procedure kit. You can still place them inside your kit just make sure they are separated for convenience.
Chalk?
I know you thinking “What the heck do I need chalk for?” Sometimes you will need to move your vehicles before the authorities reach the scene. Before anyone moves their car, draw a line along the pavement with your chalk marking where everyone’s wheels are. This makes it easier for the responding officer to visualize the incident. If you are not in a high traffic area and you can not see any “Move Crashed Vehicles from Travel Lanes” signs around, do not move your vehicles!
Proper Car Accident Procedure
1. Take a deep breath and think. Are you ok? Are your passengers ok?
2. Call the local authorities.
3. Watch for traffic before exiting the vehicle then walk to the other car and check to make sure they are ok.
4. If anyone is injured do not move them! Wait for medical help to arrive.
Get the other driver’s information using your car accident procedure kit. Write down their name, address, phone number, license plate, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number
Find a Witness!
An eye witness can make or break your case because if there isn’t one, its your word against theirs. If you happen to have a camera with you, taking pictures of the incident helps out greatly.
Do remember that a car accident is a very stressful time and tempers can get out of hand. Try to handle yourself in a positive manner and wait for authorities. Going ballistic on someone might make you feel good for a while but it can make thinks hard in the long run.
I truly hope that no one has to use this information or the car accident procedure kit. Be safe out there!
Image courtesy of Flicker.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The best thing to do in an accident is take pictures. Use your phone or keep a disposable camera in your “car accident kit”. Take as many pictures as you can from every and any angle of both the roadway and the vehicles. Pictures are the best way for the claims handler to determine fault.
I agree. A disposable camera would be a very useful item to have in the car accident kit, however, I wonder how long they will stay good in prolonged heat exposure? Most people have cameras on their cell phones now so that may be the best option but if your car stays in a shaded garage or covered area most of the time, you should defiantly think about adding a cheap camera to your kit!