As a Legal Investigators and death investigators, previously with two area medical examiner’s offices, we have investigated many tragedies due to driving in inclement weather.  We would like to share some useful tips, should you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle collision.  This information may be particularly helpful should you find your city or town in a state of emergency,  where non-injury collisions are ‘counter reports’ – law enforcement will not be able to respond.  In addition to recommendations by your insurance company, law enforcement agencies, and consumer protection agencies, the following are helpful:

First, make sure everyone in your vehicle is safe and note any injuries to report to 911.

Second, use your cell phone, as well as pen and paper and document the following:

• Call 911 to report the collision – do not assume the other driver, vehicle occupants, or bystanders have done so.  Be clear about your present location, location of the collision, any injuries, and vehicle/property damage.  If any traffic signals or power outages exist, or if traffic is impeded, provide this information to the 911 operator.
• Take pictures and/or video of the scene, vehicles, drivers and occupants, and any vehicle and/or property damage.  Most current cell phones have expandable memory cards – useful for multiple photos, and several minutes of audio and video.
• Use the record (video and/or audio) function to document all details that you can.  These include:  date, time, location, persons involved, vehicle descriptions and license plates, insurance and drivers license (or other ID) data, road conditions, traffic conditions, etc.
  

Third, depending on state law and your location, you may need to move to a safe place.  This will prevent you from impeding traffic and risking further injury to other persons or damage to vehicles and property.  DO NOT RISK INJURY, LIFE, OR FURTHER TRAGEDY IF STAYING PUT IS SAFER!  Follow the directions of the 911 operator.

Fourth, exchange information with the other driver.  In addition to writing down information, if possible, take cell phone photos of the driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration.  A seeming valid insurance card does not mean insurance premiums have been paid.  One common fraud is to buy insurance, register the vehicle, and then cancel or not pay premiums.  Verify the data on the insurance card and registration with the vehicle.

Fifth, contact your insurance agent and report the details of the collision.  Do this as soon as you can, from the scene if possible.  Make your police ‘counter report’ as soon as possible – your insurance company needs this.