What to do at the scene of an accident

Top 10 Tips from The Personal

You’ve just witnessed an accident or even worse been involved in one. Here’s what you should do to make the claims process easier, and possibly save lives.

1. The first rule in any accident or emergency situation is to stay calm.
2. Stop your car and find out if anyone is injured.
3. Call the police and tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.
4. Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm and from going into shock.
5. Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage (i.e. setting up flares, getting the car off the road and calling a tow truck).
6. Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report.
7. If necessary, have the car towed to your insurance company’s approved body shop or to a body shop of your choice. But remember, your insurance company probably will want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage BEFORE you order any repair work to be done.
8. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment so you can write down important information like names, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company and policy number, badge numbers of police officers etc.
9. If you have an accident with an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can’t, leave a note containing your name, address and phone number. Record the details of the accident.
10. Call Your Insurance Company - If you have an accident and you are insured with The Personal you can call us from the accident scene 24/7, from anywhere in North America we’ll help get you on your way. For sales, service or to report a claim call The Personal at 1 888 476-8737.