Accident Prepared Kit

All vehicles should be equipped with an Accident Prepared Kit. This kit should be kept in the glove box or somewhere within reach. It should include:

1. A cell phone if you do not carry one on your person.
2. A pen and note pad for taking down information and making notes.
3. A disposable camera can be very helpful to record damage of vehicles involved.
4. A note card with emergency contact information and any medical conditions the driver may have.

One good piece of information to have is that if you have a cell phone, emergency personnel know to look for an ICE (in case of emergency) number under contacts in your phone. If you haven’t already you should set up a contact as ICE and put the phone number of who you want contacted in case of an emergency.

Dealing with Other Driver after a Car Wreck

Make sure you get their name, address and phone number.  Ask to see their insurance information or at least get the name of their insurance company.  Write down the license plate number. Ask to see their drivers license and write down all the pertinent information and verify that the information is current and correct.

Get information from witnesses such as name and contact information.  This may be very important if legal action is taken.

Things to Print Steps for Car Accident Prepared Kit

Printable list of steps to take after a car accident to be kept with your Accident Prepared Kit:

1. If you feel that you have been injured, remain in your car and call 9-1-1.  If you are unable to do this yourself as the first bystander or witness to do this for you.  They will be asked if there are injuries and in this case they will send an ambulance.
2. If you do not feel like you have been injured, call the police.
3. If you are able, turn on your hazard lights.  Move your vehicle out of the roadway and when it is safe to exit the vehicle and you have hazard cones, set them out to warn other drivers of the accident. (Some states require the vehicle remain in place as the accident occurred.  It would be smart to ask the 911 operator as to the policy of the state)
4. Whether injured or not, DO NOT leave the scene of the accident.
5. Even if you feel like you may have been at fault Do NOT admit it to anyone including witnesses and bystanders.
6. Write down the names of witnesses along with their contact information. Exchange information with the other driver(s).  Make sure you get their name, address and phone number.  Ask to see their insurance information or at least get the name of their insurance company.  Write down the license plate number. Ask to see their drivers license and write down all the pertinent information and verify that the information is current and correct. The witnesses may not stick around so by getting this information you can relay it to the police.
7. If you have access to a camera, take pictures of the scene (before moving your vehicle if it can be done safely) and pictures of the damage of all vehicles involved. You make either use your cell phone or a disposable camera.
8. There are going to be a lot of questions.  It could be helpful to write everything down that you remember about the accident while waiting for emergency responders.  Refer to the Accident Prepared Kit paragraph. Even minor accidents cancause injury so be as honest with your answers as possible to prevent an injury to go unnoticed.
9. Make sure the responding officer gives you a case number and explains how to access this information.  You will need this for insurance purposes and for medical purposes if you are injured.

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