Driving is probably the most dangerous thing most of us will ever do. Although you do your best to drive responsibly and defensively, it's still smart to know what to do just in case you end up in a collision. Crashes can be very scary, but here are some tips if one happens to you:

1. Remain calm and focused.
2. Check for injuries in all vehicles involved and dial 911 for police, fire, and ambulance if there are any indications of injuries or fire.
3. Stay with the vehicles until the police arrive. (A less serious accident rarely requires police on site.)
4. If you are unable to move your vehicles from the flow of traffic, use hazard lights and flares to alert traffic around you - otherwise move to the safety of the shoulder.
5. Do not admit fault or require others to admit fault. This will be determined by the police report and the insurance companies.
6. If you have a phone with a camera, take pictures of both vehicles showing the state of damages, the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license, and get the other party's phone numbers. If you do not have a camera, make sure to copy down the driver’s name, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy number, agency phone number, license plate number ,and phone numbers of all other drivers involved in the accident.
7. If there are any witnesses, also get their names and phone numbers.
8. Sketch the accident as best as you can showing the traffic flow on the road and how the cars collided.
9. Most important, do not discuss the accident or sign anything that does not come from your insurance company or a law enforcement officer. Your insurance company will provide you with legal representation as part of your liability coverage.

This is a lot to remember, but it is easy to print this out or copy and put in your glove box. It is also part of the accident packet that many insurers provide their clients; however it rarely gets read at the time of the accident. Take the time to do it correctly and your claim will be processed more quickly.

As an added benefit of your 1st Nor Cal membership, we at Lou Aggetta Insurance will help you review the things that are important to you and provide you with options for reducing risk in your life. If you decide to buy an Auto policy you will receive a $25 Gift Card. If you purchase both Auto and Home you will receive a $50 Gift Card.⁴ We are an independent insurance agent and can provide you with home, auto, life, health, business, and many other types of insurance coverage.