If you have been fortunate enough to never be in an auto accident than you probably are not sure of what needs to be done immediately following a crash. Heck, even if you have been in a wreck before that doesn’t mean you will necessarily remember what to do when such happens while you are under stress and trauma in the moment. It is for this reason we thought it would be helpful to include a printable checklist that you can keep in your glove box to pull out in the event you are in an auto accident.
Of course, the very first thing you must do in such a situation is ensure everyone is okay and safe from traffic that may still be flowing. Once safety is no longer a concern, then proceed to get the necessary information. By law in the State of Oklahoma if there is an injury involved in the accident the police MUST be notified, otherwise if its property damage that seems reasonably below $5,000 you can simply exchange insurance information. In either case, it is always a good idea to take photos from several different angles (if it is safe to do so) before moving the vehicles off the road if they are drivable.
In the event of an auto accident, you want to gather as much information as you can so that reporting a claim to the insurance company is easier and breezier. Additionally, since no everyone in honest, having more information and photos can really help the insurance establish liability in the event that both drivers involved are giving opposite accounts of how the auto accident occurred.
The checklist provided is quite extensive and do not fret if you are unable to get all of the information requested on it. Just know it is there as a resource to help you know where to begin in the process and to ensure you get as much information as possible to aid in clearing up liability. We hope you never need to pull this checklist out of your glove box and that you remain wreck-free for years and years. Hope for the best, but always be prepared for the worst, right?
Know that whatever takes your vehicle off the road, whether it be an auto accident or just an auto repair issue, OKC Auto Works is here to help! (405) 634-8200.