IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A CRASH

(1) - Stop Immediately

You may be penalized severely for not remaining at the scene of a crash in which you are involved. Your driver license could be suspended or revoked for up to one year. In addition, you can receive a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500 or both.

(2) - Render Aid

If possible, find someone trained in first aid. Until medical help arrives, you should avoid moving anyone who appears to be seriously injured unless such action is necessary to avoid further injury. You are required to render to any person injured in the crash reasonable assistance, including transporting or making arrangements for transporting of the injured person to a physician or hospital for medical treatment if:

it is apparent that treatment is necessary
or transportation is requested by the injured person

NOTE: It is a 3rd degree felony for a person to fail to stop at the scene of an injury crash.

accidentWithFire.001.png

Car-truck accident on highway, with both vehicles fully engulfed by post-impact fire: James G. Howes-Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

(3) - Traffic Clearance

If the crash results in property damage only and there are no injuries, the law allows for the operator of the vehicle to move the vehicle as soon as possible off the roadway or freeway main lines, shoulders, medians, or adjacent areas to a location on the exit ramp, shoulder, a frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location that does not obstruct traffic, and requires that the operator remain at that location until all other requirements are fulfilled.

(4) - Contact the Police

If the crash results in injuries, death, or at least $1500 in total property damage, you must notify the police, sheriff, or Highway Patrol as soon as possible. This rule applies to all types of crashes, regardless of whether another driver was involved. You may also be requested to provide insurance information to the Financial Responsibility Section, Driver License Division.

(5) - Exchange Information

The following information must be exchanged between drivers or other persons involved in the crash:

Your name and address
Vehicle registration number
Your insurance information including agent or provider’s name and phone number
If the owner of an unattended vehicle is not available or cannot be found, leave a note providing this information:
- Name and address of the driver of your vehicle
- Vehicle registration number of the vehicle that caused the crash

NOTE: The operator of a vehicle that provides the information required to a police officer at the scene of the crash is exempt from providing the information to other persons involved.

(Select the link below "Dealing with Accidents" for a video demonstration.)

06.03 What To Do If You Are Involved In An Accident Video

Dealing with Accidents This video describes the proper procedure when involved in an accident.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfqm-7gZ21k&feature=channel&s...

06.03.01 What To Do If You Are Involved In An Accident Essay

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