Gene Rushing | Managing Your Risks

Sample Vehicle Crash Procedures

Procedures must include specific actions necessary by the driver when involved in a vehicle crash or collision, regardless of cause or fault.   Procedures:

• If there are any injuries, call or designate someone to call 911.
• To avoid subsequent crashes or injuries, and if it is safe move vehicles out of the way of traffic.
• Provide help to injured parties however do not move the injured unless trained in first aid or if the injured party is in eminent danger.
• Stay at the scene until police arrive and you are released to leave.  Failure to remain could result in being charged with hit and run crime.
• Exchange information with all involved.

Information you should obtain includes the following:

• Name/ address/phone numbers/drivers license numbers of all involved including any passengers or witnesses.
• Date and time of the vehicle crash.
• Location of incident and any detailed such as weather conditions or road specifications such as construction activity or if it was in an intersection or specific milepost.
• License plate numbers, vehicle make and model and any special modifications or detailed about other vehicles such as luggage racks or loads in may have been carrying if any.
• Insurance carrier and policy numbers of other driver.
• The name and address and phone of registered owner of vehicle if different form driver.
• Name and phone number of the officer on the scene if any, and report any other responders such as ambulance, fire dept. or hazmat unit.
• Any citations that were issued.
• A detailed sequence of events or before, during and after the incident.
• Any sketches, diagrams, or pictures of the scene and / or of damage to vehicles or property.

Following any vehicle crash, a detailed incident analysis should take place, not to place blame or fault but to identify methods to prevent similar incidents in the future. Safety Committees or Fleet Management Committees may work to identify preventative measures and make recommendations in the interest of future accident prevention.