CRASH!!! Here goes that dreaded occurrence while driving, fortunately no one was hurt in this car accident… But after you get your baring’s, you quickly ask yourself, “what do I do now?”

This is jolting experience we’ll all face sometime in life. Even if we have insurance experience, we all get into a state of shock when the unexpected happens. The majority of people become frozen mentally and disheveled from their normal cool & collected self after an accident(Myself included!).

So, what should you do and what info should you obtain? Save these items on your phone or wallet for easy access should you become involved in an accident. This is important information to obtain according to Insurance.Ca.Gov:

1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
2. Call the police. In some areas, police authorities may respond to every accident scene. They may consider factors such as the severity and location of the accident (some police authorities will not come to the scene if the accident is on private property).  However, you should attempt to notify the police.  You should also be aware that most policies require notification to the police within a specified time period if the accident is a hit and run.
3. Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers. 
4. Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers.  Ask to see driver’s license(s) and vehicle registration(s) to verify the information is accurate.
5. Obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.
6. If you have a camera or a cellphone, take photographs of the damage, and the accident scene (traffic controls, visual obstacles).
7. If the owner of a damaged car or damaged property cannot be located, leave a note with the names and addresses of the driver and owners of the involved cars.
8. Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately. 
9. If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failure to notify the DMV may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

So there it is, the things you need to know and do when you’re involved in an accident. Please drive safe, be SMART on the Roads, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.