The National Safety Council claims that one in every eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year. It could range from a minor fender-bender to a more serious collision involving injuries or even fatalities.
What steps should you follow if you're involved in an accident?Utah law requires you to stop your vehicle at the scene or as close to the scene of the accident as possible.
You must render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured; give your name, address and the registration number of your car to the other people involved in the accident; and upon request, show your driver's license to the assisting peace officer and the other driver
It's best to leave your car undisturbed at the scene if it isn't a traffic hazard. If it creates a danger and it's movable, move it to the side of the road, advises Gary Whitney, public information officer for the Utah Department of Public Safety.
You must report the accident if there's $750 or more in property damage or if there are any injuries, even minor ones.
The Shell Motorist Club has some additional suggestions if you're involved in an accident.
- Make a first-aid check of all persons involved. Call the police, and if necessary, emergency medical services.
- Mark the accident scene. Turn on emergency flashers and turn off the ignitions of all vehicles involved. Place flares or reflective triangles near the accident scene to warn other drivers.
- Exchange information: names, addresses, drivers' license numbers, license plate numbers, phone numbers and insurance information. Obtain names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses.
- Make a quick diagram of the accident scene. Make a sketch of where each vehicle's occupants were seated and indicate vehicles' direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.
- Report the accident to your insurance agent. Obtain a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct and initiate a claim with your insurance agent.
Most people are upset after an accident, so it's best to prepare yourself for the possibility of being involved in an accident by keeping these steps in mind.