16 Oct, 2009
List of Things to Do in Car Wreck from California DMV
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: california| travel
How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected
There are approx. 6 million car accidents in the United States every year–3 million injuries–about 2 million of which are permanent, including paralysis, paraplegia and quadriplegia. Car accidents are responsible for killing over 40,000 people each year. California ranks number one in car accidents and deaths in the U.S., with Los Angeles being the top region for accidents, followed by San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno and Sacramento. Perhaps that’s why a Halloween car display showing skeletons is a bit too close to home, suspended near the 405 Freeway in Carson one season.
You drive the speed limit, you use your blinkers and you follow the three-second rule. You’re a safe and cautious driver, but unfortunately collisions do happen. Though being in a crash is never an enjoyable experience, there are ways to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Below are three steps to help guide you through.
1# Be Prepared -There are several items you should keep in your car at all times in case you are involved in a collision:
A Camera - Whether disposable, digital or on your cell phone, it is important to have a camera in your vehicle to take pictures of the damage to your car, your license plate, the damage to the other vehicle and the license plate of the other car. Having these photos will help with any dispute that may arise later.
Pen & Notebook - You will need to write down and exchange personal information with the other driver, such as driver license information, insurance information, as well as crash details.
Flashlight - In the event the crash takes place at night, it is important to keep a flashlight in your car both as a safety precaution and to use while observing any damages.
Blanket - If you are unable to remain in the car or the heater has been compromised, a blanket will be vital for staying warm and avoiding any further harm to your body, while you wait for law enforcement and/or medical personnel to arrive.
#2: Call 911 At the Crash Site if the event is serious.
#3 If non-injury collision:
On the freeway and your car is still in operating condition, move your vehicle to the right side shoulder as far out of the traffic lane as possible and turn on your emergency hazard lights.
On city streets, try to pull over into a shopping center, a gas station or somewhere else that is safe and out of traffic’s way.
Exchange the following information with the other driver:
o Name
o Insurance Provider & Policy Number
o Current Address
o Driver License Number
o Vehicle Make, Model, Year and License Plate Number
o Any additional details of the accident that you might later forget
o Take witness contact information and a statement. Sometimes the other driver involved will alter their story after the fact, so it can be crucial to have a third party witness.
Step Three: Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Most companies offer a 24-hour collision claim service. Your agent will then get in contact with the other driver’s agent and will submit any necessary reports to the DMV and the CHP.
Step Four: Visit your doctor or ER immediately if you have concerns or pain. Sometimes the adrenaline rush of a crash will mask any injuries you may have sustained and the pain will surface soon after.
Info supplied by dmv.ca.gov.
