Are you prepared for an accident?

My college age daughter called recently and said that she had just been tapped into by another car. She got the offending driver's name and address, but no insurance info. After I "calmly" explained why she needed to to do more, it struck me that most people are probably unaware of what they should do when involved in an accident. I would suggest that you print the list below and keep in your glove box.

1. Call the police in any instance if there is bodily injury, severe damage to your car, or the other driver refuses to show you their driver's license and insurance card, or is uninsured.

2. Definitely call the police and your insurance company if involved in a hit-and-run or if you are forced off the road by a vehicle or animal.

3.Keep an inexpensive camera in your car; a cell phone with a camera will do. Just remember to take the photos.

4.Secure the name and phone number of any witnesses, if possible.

5. Obviously exchange contact info with the other driver if no police investigation. Again, have the other driver show you their insurance card and driver's license. If they refuse, call the police.

6. Stress and adrenaline usually kick in. Thus, while you may not feel that you are injured, do not refuse medical treatment at the scene if available. Go to the emergency room if anything feels wrong. Do not be surprised if you do not perceive any injuries while at the scene but you experience pain once you get home or the next few days.

7. Check your car(s) NOW to make sure that you have your own insurance and registration info handy. Do not assume that you have a pen and paper in the car, place it there NOW.

Attorney Doug Stoehr