What to Do if You're in an Auto Accident
Nearly 34 million auto accidents occur annually in the U.S., and no matter how skilled of a driver you may be, it could happen to you. According to statistics by the National Safety Council, 1 in 8 licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year.
If you are involved in an accident, remain calm and follow these tips:
- Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene. Failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest.
- Call a towing company to move your vehicle if your vehicle isn't drivable. Get the name, address, and phone number of the towing company.
- Check all involved parties for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to a safe location. If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
- Exchange information with all parties involved in the accident, making sure it includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Auto insurance company name and phone number
- Policy number
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Year, make, model and color of car
- Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information.
- Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary. Request that the police respond if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed.
- If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer's name, phone number and the police report number.
- If police do not respond to the scene, go to the nearest police station and fill out an accident report.
- Do not admit fault. Give details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.
- Take photos of the damage to the vehicle(s), accident scene and people involved, if you have a camera in your possession.
- Report the accident to your insurance carrier as soon as you can. Having the following information will be helpful:
- Date and time of the accident
- The direction and speed you and the other driver(s) were going
- How the accident occurred
- Name and information of the parties and witnesses involved
- If anyone was injured in the car accident
- Where and what damage was done to your car
- Police report number
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Virginia CU Insurance Services, LLC
Virginia CU Insurance Services, LLC
Ph: (866) 342-9334
PO Box 90010
Richmond , VA 23225 US