Unit 06, Lesson 03 - What To Do If You Are Involved In An Accident
- 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.
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
