Safety News Bulletin: How to Handle a Car Accident

CHECKLIST OF INFORMATION YOU NEED AT THE SCENE OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT

 

INFORMATION: Write down AND photograph

• The name of the other driver(s)
• The driver’s license number of the other driver(s)
• Registration number(s) / VIN(s)
• Insurance information
• Cell phone & email (test their cell by making a call on the scene)
• License plate - state and numbers

 

PICTURES: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved

 

•  GENERAL: Take general photos of the entire scene, get as many angles as possible
•  TRAFFIC SIGNS: Take photos of any "traffic indicators" (e.g. stop lights, yield signs, other road signs) and try to include the vehicles in the photos.
• UP CLOSE SHOTS: Photograph all four sides of your vehicle plus any and all damages to it (e.g.broken lights, dents, deployed airbags, etc.) up close. Do this with all vehicles involved.
• STREET SIGNS: Photograph the intersection or identifying street. If there is damage to any street signs or public property, photograph that.
• SKID MARKS: If you can see skid marks, photograph them from afar and up close.
• DATE & TIME: Take a photo of someone else’s phone’s home screen that has the date and time displayed.
• WEATHER: Take photos of the weather (e.g. clouds, rain, snow, where the sun is in the sky, etc.)

 

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION: Adrenaline from a crash can mask serious injuries for hours. If you’re hurt, or suspect you might be hurt, have someone take you to the hospital or an urgent care center RIGHT AWAY.

 

DON’T APOLOGIZE: Be careful to not use phrases such as "I feel fine". Don’t apologize or take responsibility. There are many factors that can cause an auto accident and you will almost certainly not know all of them at the time of the crash.

 

ONLY DISCUSS ACCIDENT DETAILS WITH AUTHORITIES: Limit your discussion of the accident with the other party or parties involved. Only discuss details with the responding police officer or other authorities.

 

 

Contact your SCC Representative to schedule a ‘Driving Safety’ Meeting or to be sure that your company is in compliance with OSHA regulations. If you need have questions, call your Safety Representative or contact our office at osha-updates@safetycompliance.com.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kirk Herold

Vice President

(562) 822-7233

kirkh@safetycompliance.com