TIPS ON

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CRASH

1. Stop!! Anyone who gets into a crash must stop. Leaving the scene is also known as "hit & run" and can be a felony. This includes hitting property, animals or pedestrians.

2. Ascertain if there are any injuries. If there are, call (or get someone) to call 911. If you are not injured and there are other injuries, try to be of assistance, but never move an injured person unless it is to pull them to safety!!

3. Pull your vehicles out of traffic if there are no injuries. You need to clear the street so as not to be a hazard to other vehicles. Many times, police cannot come to a fender bender if there is no injury, so waiting for a cop to see the position of cars is not what the police want. But...try to involve the police if your can. It is better for all if there is an on scene police report.

4. Do not get into arguments with the drivers of any other vehicles. Do not discuss the crash....how it happened or who might be a fault. Never admit guilt under any circumstances. There may be factors that you are not aware of that contributed to the crash.

5. Carry a disposable camera. Take pictures of all damage and participants in the crash. This will help prevent fraudulent claims. This will document the damage at the time of the crash, the actual people involved and their condition at that time.. Take pictures of any weather conditions, skid marks, road obstructions or any other factor that might have contributed to the crash. Give the pictures to your insurance company.

6. Exchange all pertinent information with the other drivers.....drivers license, registration and insurance info. You must give this info by law.

7. Look for friendly witnesses. Get their name and telephone numbers.

8. Do not accept any monetary compensation at the time of the crash. Medical and repair bills are often much more than you anticipate

9. Try to remain calm no matter what happens. Often we are shook up and not thinking clearly after a crash. If you are in a potential "hit & run" situation, try to gather your wits to get the license number of the vehicle that hit you. Never engage in a high speed chase to catch the "hit & runner".

10. Always carry emergency equipment in your car:

A. Portable cellular phone

B. Flashlight

C. First aid kit

D. Flat tire kit

E. Reflective triangles or flares

F. Blanket

G. Comfortable walking shoes

H. Your membership card to an auto club (very worthwhile!!)