Nationwide Auto Insurance

What to do in an accident

Date: Jan 25, 2005
Contributor: Sonny Davis

According to the latest statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. Whether or not you become one of those unfortunate drivers involved in a collision, the following information can help you lessen the headaches and expense of an accident.

In case of an accident: Don't leave the scene. If vehicles are operable, move them to the shoulder, out of the way of oncoming traffic. Call for medical assistance if there are any injuries. Provide basic first aid, but don't move an injured person unless you possess medical or lifesaving expertise.

In many areas, you have to call the police Get the officer's name, badge number, police station address, and phone number. Ask when the accident report will be filed, its case and report number, and how you can get a copy.

Take careful note of the date and time of the accident, the street and city, weather and road conditions, direction and speed you and other drivers were going, and how the accident occurred.

Always carry your insurance card and vehicle registration. Keep a list of emergency numbers in the glove compartment at all times. Keep a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medicine or you have a condition that requires special attention.

Check your insurance policy or call your agent to see if you have rental car reimbursement coverage. For an average of $1 to $2 per month, rental car reimbursement will pay for the cost of renting a car after an accident while your vehicle's in the repair shop. If the accident is not your fault, the other party's insurance company may provide you with rental car reimbursement.


For more information relating to "What to do in an accident", please visit our What to do in a car accident page.