I often have students in my class inquire about whether the police will come if called regarding a car accident and what to do when involved in one. I’m sure that depends on the severity of the accident (i.e. whether anyone got injured or if the vehicles are impeding traffic). Either way, it’s always good to get some help.

 

If you’re involved in an accident, follow this car accident checklist.

  • Call 911 and stay at the scene until the police show up. They will likely complete an accident report. Furthermore, even if law enforcement officers don’t respond to the accident, which sometimes happens if there are no injuries, download an accident report form from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website, fill it out and submit it.
  • Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Take a picture of their insurance card and license plate, if possible. And get a phone number and name of the person driving the car.
  • Take pictures of the damages of both vehicles with your phone.
  • Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers.
  • Write down an account of what happened and street name. Sometimes we forget details.
  • Call your insurance provider to report the claim.

Additionally, make sure to stay safe. If it is safe to do so, move your car to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and put out any flares or warning triangles if you have them.

For a Hit and Run, gather as much information as you can to relay to police and call 911:

  • License plate number
  • Color, make and model of car
  • Time and location of the accident
  • Contact information of potential witnesses
  • The direction the driver headed
  • Pictures of the scene and damage to your car
  • Make posters and ask to hang them in the neighborhood where the accident occurred to find potential witnesses.

Again, accidents happen. And they are stressful enough. However, knowing what to do will help you to resolve the accident you were in and get you back on the road quickly.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

A Car Accident – Comedy Defensive Driving

Category: driving safety tips

Author: Daun Thompson

Daun Thompson has spent years acting in both film and theatre which has been paramount in launching her onto the comedy stage (incidentally, without a helmet, resulting in a nasty concussion). Being a funny girl is a full time job. A job that she hopes that one day will come with dental benefits and a 401K. Unlike her work, she is biodegradable, yet flame retardant. And gentle to the touch. Her goal in life??? For strangers to approach her and ask "Didn't you used to be somebody?" In the late 1980's she cut her teeth at the Velveeta Room on 6th Street in Austin, Texas ... the original room with the stripper pole. From there, she moved to northern California and worked with many comedy icons, like Mitch Hedberg, Marc Maron, Colin Quinn, Vic Dunlop, Huck Flyn, Michael Mancini, Doug Ferrari, Shang and Brian Posehn. Daun has been a licensed driver safety instructor and trainer with Comedy Defensive Driving for over 9 years. Her knowledge of driving safety laws keeps her readers informed and engaged with her blog adventures. She still continues to do stand-up comedy, sometimes in a reclining position...just to be different.