Firstly preparation; have a first aide kit and the basic skills to use it. Secondly have in your car at all times a warning triangle or emergency flare kit. These do not only come in handy if there is an accident, in fact they may save your life when used even if all you are doing is changing a tire on the shoulder of the road.

So it has happened, now what? Whether you are involved directly in the accident or not it may be helpful to know the following.

1. Stay calm

The worst thing you can　do it panic.　A panicked person usually makes a situation worse. Panicked people get aggressive and stupid, they often make a situation worse　and get further injuries as they blindly stumble out of the wrecked vehicle and get hit by another car.

2. Check for injuries and survey the scene

Injuries are to be dealt with right away, insurance matters or determining fault are not nearly as important. If necessary call an ambulance or other suitable emergency response agency. I.e. police, fire department, haz-mat unit ect. Be aware of new hazards, i.e. chemical or fuel spills ect.

3. Immediate Actions

If the accident is not serious try and move the affected cars off the road to a safe place prior to engaging in insurance matters. This is safer for you and for the other motorists.

If the accident is serious enough that the vehicles cannot safely be moved off the road deploy your hazard lights and warning triangles/flares if available.

Be sure to record, if possible, the driver’s license of the other driver(s). Also if there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information.　 This might prove vital during your insurance claim.

5. Make notes about the accident for future recall

when you are engaged in what will probably (but hopefully not) turn into an extended nightmare of dueling with your insurance provider.

6. Never discuss fault

Do not discuss it with either the police or the other driver. Do not accuse the other driver; in fact try not to say much of anything. Tempers can flare as both of you are likely shaken up. DO NOT MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE.

7. If possible do not leave the scene of the accident before the other driver or police.

8. It is your insurance agency and the police that will investigate and assign any blame in the accident. Do not take matters into you own hands.