Even the safest drivers can fall victim to car accidents. One little distraction can lead to a fender-bender; not to mention the actions of other drivers around you. Getting into an accident is frustrating and it’s easy to forget important information in the confusion of the moment. You may choose to keep a post-collision checklist in your glove box for such occasions. The following can be printed for such purposes:

• Pull off the road if vehicles are in shape to be driven
• Call the police or, if necessary, 911 to report the accident
• Take note of the exact location, date and time (photos of street signs and landmarks may help)
• Stay at the scene to exchange information and until the police arrive
• Do not admit fault
• Take photos of vehicles (with license plates), damage to all vehicles, the accident scene in whole and even the drivers involved
• Collect the following information:
  • Names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses of all drivers and witnesses
  • Insurance provider, phone number and policy number for all drivers
  • Driver’s license numbers of all drivers
  • Make, model, year and license plate numbers of all cars involved
  • Police report number and names of responding officers
• If you must leave your car at the scene or if it’s being towed, remove your registration documents, insurance information and valuables
• Report the accident to your insurance agent

Safe drivers can go years without a collision, but you should always be prepared for any situation. Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident will help get you back on your way sooner and will smooth the claims process. Your independent insurance agent is available to help file your claim if you get in an accident.

Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean life also has to come to a crashing halt. Call Pan American Insurance at (915) 562-0009 for more information on El Paso auto insurance.