In Case Of An Accident, Have A Plan

We all hate to think about having an accident and the subsequent trauma it may cause in your life, however the time to think about this possibility is before the situation arises, while your head is clear, and you are in a position to make the appropriate decisions. Having a plan in case of a car accident is as important as a plan in case of a household fire. Everyone who uses your vehicles should be aware of your plan.

  1. At the scene of the accident, assess your situation. Personal well-being and safety first. If you are unable to move, lay still and don't struggle as more physical damage can result. If you are able to move, do so slowly, you may not be aware of your injuries immediately.


  2. Talk with any passengers in your car, to assess their situation. NEVER MOVE ANYONE. What the disabled passenger needs from you is continued reassurance. Tell them that "help is on the way", "you are there for them" and to "lay still." Also make sure to stay out of rescuers way so they can do their job.


  3. After you have concluded that everyone in your vehicle is safe, check on the other vehicles occupants. If there seems to be a hostile attitude, remove yourself from the situation and return to your vehicle to await the authorities.


  4. When the authorities arrive tell them ONLY WHAT YOU KNOW! Don't make assumptions or assessments of what happened. Remember that you only saw things from your personal point of view. Tell them what you actually know. Never admit guilt, let the authorities make that decision, it's their job. You may not know the order in which things actually happened. Statements are taken from all parties and witnesses to get the whole picture.


  5. Assess your vehicles condition. Visually take note of any damage which may prevent the car from being driven. NEVER drive an unsafe vehicle! If ANY fluids have leaked, regardless of the visual condition, TOW THE CAR.


  6. Have a plan in place ahead of time as to where your car should be towed if it becomes necessary. If you can prepay and you have no conflict with city ordinances you can save possible storage charges by having the car towed to your residence. However, if you know where you want your car repaired, you can have it towed directly to the shop of your choice, saving the cost of a second tow. If your car is towed to a storage lot or other shop, your immediate attention will be necessary to avoid high storage fees. When a vehicle is repaired at the shop where it has been towed and stored since the accident, these storage fees are generally waived. Many insurance companies insist on working with the original shop to avoid these storage charges, and your right to choose your own shop may be discouraged. KNOW WHERE YOUR CAR HAS BEEN TOWED!