How to Make an Accident Checklist

Just as you keep your car maintenance manual in your car, you should also have an accident checklist available. When an accident occurs, the stress and worries take over and you might forget all the things needed to be done to protect you and all other parties involved. You should also keep a pad of paper and a pen available if needed to collect information should an accident occur.

By having this checklist it will help you focus on what you need to do, so everyone is taken care of and you have everything you need when you file any insurance claim.

Step 1 – Check for Injuries

The first and most important thing to do is check all persons involved for injuries. If anyone is unconscious or badly injured, do not move them. Sometimes, you further increase injuries if the person is moved. Call “911;” their personnel are trained for this situation.

Step 2 – Move Your Car

Most States require you to move any disabled vehicles out of the flow of traffic. If your car is functional, move it to the shoulder or side of the road. If the vehicle is too damaged or inoperable to move, turn on your emergency flashing lights. This will notify oncoming vehicles that you are disabled.

Step 3 – Call the Police

If there is any damage, injuries or deaths you need to call the police. They will examine the situation and write a police report. For any insurance claims, a police report will be needed. They will also advise you of any other laws or items you need to protect yourself.

Step 4 – Collect Information

You need to get the following information from the other driver involved in an accident. It does not matter if you caused the accident or the or if the other driver did. You need the following:

• Name
• Address
• City 
• Telephone Numbers (mobile, home & work):
• Email
• Insurance Company 
• Policy Number  
• Coverage Limits (liability)

If the Police were called, also write down the Police Officer's name, badge number and the City or Station Address.

Step 5 – Accident Information

You also need all the information about the accident such as:

• Date
• Time
• Other car description
• Make 
• Model
• Year:
• Color
• Car License Plate Number and State

Step 6 – Other information

If possible, take photos of the accident and the damages. Also draw a diagram of the accident location and list any road or weather conditions.

You and all passengers involved should visit a doctor and if there were any injuries caused by the accident, record all this information for any insurance claim.