Accident Check list- when in doubt call… Mom?

Yep, you read that correctly, my very first ever accident I completely panicked. I pulled into a pump, right as the pick-up truck next to me cranks their wheel, and backs out of the pump —sideswiping my driver and rear passenger door. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, all I wanted was a coffee before work but, that was not to be. I reached in the glove box grabbed the registration, and insurance, for what? I wasn’t sure. What was I to do? My brain is frantically trying to call any accident scenes from movies and shows— that was no help. Thinking up all the road side accidents I’ve seen—still no help! Trying to remember anyone I know who was in an accident and what they did… totally blank. Who did I call at 28 years old, the answer is not my mechanic hubby, but, my mom— she would know what to do. 

Of course she did know what to do, and helped a lot in that moment, naturally once dad knew what happened he was on his way to the scene himself. I am immediately told to call an officer and get a report! But the other driver wants to leave, so I call my dad back, who is now on the phone telling me over and over that no one can leave the scene! Which I am parroting to the other driver, who, near my parents age, is just watching me in amusement, or was it concern? I really don’t know. Dad arrives, and begins assessing the damaged himself, I am now late for work, and in the midst of the stress you know what text I sent my hubby, hands shaking from shock and the December chill? 

“I was in an accident.” 

No explanation, no follow up- we laughed hard about this later but, it was not the wake up he wanted on his way to work either. Naturally, he also panicked, and tried calling me several times, while I have my attention split between my phone, this other driver, and my dad. Hubby arrives at the scene, I finally get my coffee, and things slowly start to wrap up with a very secure support group to help me navigate this experience but, I was still shaken all day long. 

The sound of screeching, sqealing, crunching metal, and the sensation of my driver tire lifting then coming back down, now forever imbedded into my brain. I was slightly embarrassed that my first reaction was to panick and call my mom, because I didn’t know what to do, even at 28 years old. Truthfully, until this very moment in my life, it had NEVER even occurred to me what I should, or would do in the event of an accident. (Not that she minded once she calmed down from the early morning shock- I swear I was just startling everyone that morning.)

Now, I had ben fairly lucky not only to have never been in an accident before this. Also, because the kids weren’t in the car, and no one was hurt. So with the topic on my mind, I have complied a check list that will hopefully help if anyone ever needs it, while there will always be different factors in an accident, and some things may not always apply it would have helped me majorly. 

1. First and foremost, make sure there are no injuries, to yourself, passengers, or anyone else. If there are call 911 immediately-if you are injured avoid moving too much until first responders arrive. Who knows what all is damaged.

1. Turn on your hazards!

1. Check the damage to your vehicles, if it is not significant I.e. still drivable then move your cars safely to the side of the road, even a parking lot if that option is there.

1. Record the license plate number as soon as possible in the even someone attempts to leave the scene before you can speak with them.

1. Call your manager or send a text.

1. There will be a lot of necessary information to document. 

   1. Start with the date, time, and location of the accident-if you can obtain the address or intersection names wonderful. 

   2. Then exchange ID’s, registration, insurance cards, and license plates take a photo of it all. 

   3. Include, the make, model, year, and color of the other vehicle. 

   4. Also exchange phone numbers and/or emails of the other driver.

1. Get the name, and contact information for any passengers or witnesses (bear in mind minors can’t help much)

1. Take photos of the damages from multiple angles, as well as a photo of the accident location ONLY if safely able to do so.

1. Contact the non emergency line for your location, unless EMT is required, and wait for the officer to arrive to gain everyone’s statements. The officer should provide you with their name, badge number, and the report, or case number, do it even if you think its unnecessary insurance may want it!

1. Call a towing service if you need it!

1. Call your mechanic if necessary!

1. Obtain the police report (it could be given immediately, but it may also need to be typed up and could take a few hours)

1. Contact your insurance and begin the claims procedures (they will help you through it!)

1. Let the adrenaline rush calm, try to breathe, and if possible take work off that day (I couldn’t but I should have!)

A few for the don’t list here, which to some may seem like common sense but, for others it may have never occurred to them.

1. Do not leave the scene of an accident until all information has been shared, and details have been resolved.

1. Do not loose your temper, remember to stay calm

1. Do not cast blame or admit fault

1. Do not sign anything from the other driver, or anyone they were with

1. Don’t discuss the particulars of the addict with anyone until the officers arrive, not even the other driver!

Trust me when I say I truly wish I had known these things, especially the don’t list. Let’s just say I learned the hard way, but my hope is that you won’t have to. Share with your family, friends, the young and not so young adults in your life, and review from time to time. 

As always we wish you and yours the absolute best, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on our crash checklist. Is there anything you think we should add? -Kierra and Mike