Auto accidents can be one of the most traumatic events in anyone’s life.There are more than 10 million motor vehicle accidents annually include more than 20 million cars or trucks which translates into one every 12 minutes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For most people, it’s usually their first time and the shock alone can cause you to forget what you need to do in order to get both insurance companies involved. Here’s a checklist you can print and keep handy should it ever happen to you and you are lucky to be still alive without injury think of.

10 Steps To Take:

1. Stop the vehicle.

If it is not safe to stop immediately, stop as soon as possible and try to do so out of the flow of traffic. Do not leave the scene completely, if you do the police might cite you with a violation.

2. Move the vehicle to the side or out of traveled roadway.

Move the car if it is safe and legal to do so. In some states or jurisdictions, it is illegal to move a vehicle that was in a collision from its stopping point. This is so the police can investigate the incident better.

3. Get occupants out of harm’s way.

Once the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off, move yourself and any passengers out of the car and away from the roadway or traffic.

4. Attend to any injuries.

Check yourself and others for injuries. If you have a medical kit, use it but only for minor issues. If someone is seriously injured do not move them, unless necessary while you wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

5. Call police and emergency medical attention.

911 is usually the logical choice to call. If the accident is not that serious, 911 might give you the number of a local law enforcement agency to call.

6. Obtain witness statements.

Ask anyone that witnessed the accident to write out a statement, sign it, include his or her name, and contact information. This is especially important if the witness is unable to stay until the police arrive.

7. Exchange information with the other driver.

You and the other driver should exchange your name, telephone number, address, insurance company name, policy number and driver’s license numbers. Other information you might want to write down yourself are the car’s make, model, year and license plate number.

8. Take pictures and/or make a diagram of the accident scene.

If you have a camera take pictures of the vehicles, whole accident scene, any stoplights, stop signs or intersections that played a part in the collision. You can also use a sheet of paper and draw a diagram of the area, including which way the vehicles were traveling and where occupants were seated in the vehicles. Note the date, time and weather conditions, along with any obstructions where the city or highway department may be responsible.

9. Cooperate with the law enforcement officer that responds.

Answer any questions asked of you and give the information, such as insurance and driver’s license, as well as personal information the officer request. After the police have talked to everyone involved and any witness, write down the officer’s name, badge number and his or her station’s address and phone number. Ask about how you can get a copy of the police report.

10. Leave the accident scene and contact insurance company.

Once the law enforcement officer says you can leave the scene, see if your car needs to be towed away or if you can drive it away. Once away from the scene call your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company if they are at-fault since you will likely be filing a claim with them.

This checklist has been put together from personal experience and after researching the National Safety Council (NSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites. Both of these sites are full of safety tips for motorists as well as very enlightening statistics.

Whatever you do, we hope auto accidents never come your way. Should it happen use this checklist to help you ameliorate the situation.

Popular searches:

Those Who Read This Also Read:

1. What To Do When You Encounter A No-Fault Auto Accident
2. Why You Should Take Auto Accident Photographs
3. Texas Auto Insurance – Texas City Targets Drivers Without Car Insurance
4. AAA Auto Insurance 1 in 10 Drivers Say They May Have Driven Drunk
5. 3 Ways In Which Your Auto Insurance Rate Increase After An Accident
6. Geico Auto Insurance Co. Promotes Teen-Safety Discussions During Homecoming Season
7. StateFarm Auto Insurance Company Release Accident Rate Report
8. How To Settle Your Own Auto Accident Claim