Despite best efforts, you might be involved in a crash someday. It’s crucial to remain calm and follow these steps (some of which were also noted in section 7.5):
🛑 Stop and Secure the Scene
- You must stop immediately (or as close as safely possible) at the scene – it’s the law.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- If it’s a minor fender-bender and vehicles are drivable, move them out of traffic (e.g., to the shoulder or a parking lot).
- Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
⚠️ Prevent Further Danger
- Use flares or cones (if you have them) to alert oncoming traffic – especially important at night or near a blind curve.
- Do not stand in lanes; move to a safe area.
- If there’s fuel leaking or a fire risk, move far away and call 911 immediately.
📞 Call 911 If Needed
- Call if:
- Anyone is injured
- There’s significant damage
- The road is blocked
- Even for minor injuries, medical help is wise – some symptoms are delayed.
- Give the dispatcher:
- Exact location
- Number of people involved
- Whether ambulance/fire help is needed
🆘 Aid the Injured
- Check on others.
- If trained, provide basic first aid (e.g., stop bleeding).
- Don’t move an injured person unless there’s immediate danger (like fire).
- Keep them warm and talking if conscious.
🔁 Exchange Information
Share with all involved drivers:
- Name, address, phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
📌 If someone refuses or flees (hit-and-run):
- Try to get their license plate
- Note vehicle description
- Give info to police immediately
👀 Ask witnesses for contact info – helpful for insurance or police.
👮 Witnesses / Police Report
- If officers respond:
- Get their name, badge number, and how to get the report
- Give them facts, not opinions
- Do not admit fault – let insurance or investigators determine that
📝 Take Notes
- Write down:
- Time and location (cross streets, landmarks)
- Speed and direction of each vehicle
- Road/weather conditions
- What happened step-by-step
- Note any dangerous behavior by others (e.g., texting)
📷 Take Photos
- Damage to all vehicles
- Vehicle positions (before moving, if safe)
- Skid marks, debris, road signs or signals
- Scene overview from multiple angles
📨 After Leaving the Scene
- Report to your insurance company ASAP
- Report to DMV if required (see section 7.5)
- If you feel pain later (common with soft tissue injuries), see a doctor and inform your insurer
⚖️ Legal Reminder
- Failing to stop and perform these duties is a crime.
- Hit-and-run involving injury or death is a felony with possible prison time.
✅ Summary:
Remain calm, stay safe, help others, and document everything. Acting responsibly after a crash protects your rights and fulfills your duties as a licensed driver.