What To Do In Case Of An Accident
Screeching tires, crunching metal – it’s an accident! If you’ve ever been in a car accident in Wilmington, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It’s hard to think straight and know what to do.
Let’s review what you should do in case of an accident:
When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident in Wilmington or anywhere in Delaware is considered a crime – even if it’s not your fault. And hit and run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your Delaware driver’s license or even jail time. It’s just not worth it.
Your jurisdiction may require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able. Warn other Newport and Hockessin motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood. Call Wilmington emergency services as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.
Always file a Wilmington police report. It’s tempting to skip this if everything seems to be ok. But without a police report, the other person can say whatever they want about the accident later, and you’ll not have an objective report to help defend yourself. Discuss the accident only with the police. Emotions are strong after an accident and we naturally want to talk about it – don’t. Never admit fault or guilt to anyone including the police officer. Sometimes we may feel at fault, but in the eyes of the law, the other person is responsible.
Truthfully give the officer the facts: such as “I was going thirty miles an hour” not “I wasn’t speeding”. Remember, anything you say to the officer or anyone else can be used against you.
Also get the officer’s name and ID number and ask where you can get a copy of the accident report.
Get the facts on the driver and owner of the other vehicle:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license number and expiration
- Insurance information
Also take down a description of the other Wilmington vehicle, license plate and vehicle identification number. Most Delaware auto insurance companies don’t record license plate numbers, so the VIN number is the best way to track the vehicle.
Ask witnesses, including passengers, to wait for the police. If they can’t wait, ask for contact information and request that they write a brief description of what they saw. If someone refuses to leave their name, write down their license plate number so the police can track them down later if necessary. Always call your insurance agent or your insurance company. Call or see a physician if you think you may have been injured. For vehicle repairs or even just to have a consultation, call Buckley’s Auto Care at 302-613-0532. They can offer you good advice as to what your next steps should be. And Buckley’s Auto Care works with most insurance companies to handle your repair needs.
Contact Buckley’s Auto Care to learn more about what do do in case of an auto accident.
You can find us at:
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
Or call us at 302-613-0532
Buckley’s Auto Care and AutoNetTV hope that you never have to use this information and wish you happy Wilmington travels.
Buckley’s Auto Care can assist you in getting your vehicle back in tip top shape after a fender bender or accident. We work with most insurance companies and can even handle collision repairs. We also assist you in managing the repair of your vehicle with our qualified network of collision shops.
Filed Under: Automotive News
