WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE IN A CAR CRASH

STOP AT THE SCENE.  Stop at the scene of the crash. Take a moment and gain your composure.  Assess the situation as calmly as possible.  Make sure everyone is safe.  If possible, move the cars so traffic is not obstructed.

ASSIST THE INJURED.  If someone is injured, call 911 for an ambulance and the police. Do not move injured people unless it is absolutely necessary for their safety and health.  Your first priority should be to do everything possible to completely as possible take care of all emergency medical needs.

PROTECT OTHERS.  Warn approaching vehicles!  Raise the hood, put on your flashers, placed flares or reflectors if you have them. Stay out of traffic if you can.

NOTIFY THE AUTHORITIES.  Depending on the severity of the crash, either call 911 or 311 to report the crash and receive instructions from the Metro Police dispatcher.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION.   Get the name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, license plate number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance company, policyholder name, policy number, insurance company phone number and name of the insurance agent, the insurance agent's address and telephone number, for the driver and for the owner of the other vehicle.

PASSENGERS & WITNESSES.  Get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all passengers and witnesses.

STAY CALM.  Do not panic. Keep your emotions in check. Do not get hostile or aggressive. Keep your thoughts, comments and emotions to yourself. Concentrate on resolving the situation and making sure that everyone is safe and that you do not present a danger to oncoming traffic.

ASSIST THE POLICE AND PARAMEDICS GATHER INFORMATION.  Answer all direct questions and provide the required information to the investigating authorities.  Report the facts as you know them.  Do not distract the police or EMTs.