What to do when in an automobile accident

In 2002, there were an estimated 6.3 million car accidents in the United States. About 2.9 million injuries and 42,815 people were reported killed in auto accidents.

Every year, the rates are increasing. More and more, people are getting injured, if not killed, from automobile accidents.

Unfortunately, most of us will experience this type of accident at some time. That's why it is important for us to know certain things that will provide significant assistance when we are in a car accident.

Remain at the scene of the accident.
If you are in an auto accident involving injury, or substantial damage to property, stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive and tell you that you can leave. There are laws requiring people involved to stay put and wait for the police to arrive and investigate. Leaving the scene of the accident can get your license revoked, or worse, your behavior can result to criminal charges.

Protect the injured.
If you are trained in providing first aid, administer if somebody is injured. However, it is important to remember never to move an injured person. Moving him/her may result to further damage. Ask for somebody to contact the police and report the incident. The person to contact the police should inform that people are injured, and if possible, the number of persons injured so that there will be enough emergency personnel to respond to the accident. If the accident occurred on the roadway, turn on your flashers, or use flares to warn approaching traffic of the accident.

Get information.
In any accident, it is important to get information that you will use later on, especially during your insurance claim. The following are the information you should know: