What should I do at the scene of a car accident?
Immediately determine if anyone is injured, and if so, do not move the injured person. As soon as possible, call or direct someone to call emergency “911.” If the collision is very minor, you may not need to contact law enforcement or law enforcement may determine an investigation is not necessary. If someone is injured, or if there is more than $1,000 in property damage, you must file an accident report with the Iowa Department of Transportation. The appropriate forms can be obtained from law enforcement or from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The Report must be filed within 72 hours of the accident, or your driver’s license may be suspended. If law enforcement are present to investigation the crash, tell the officers what you observed. Do not admit fault at this point, as the excitement of the moment may cloud your judgment and perceptions. Also, make sure you write down the other driver’s name, address, car license, driver’s license and auto insurance information. Be prepared to provide the same information to the other driver. Be sure to record the names, addresses and telephone numbers of people who witnessed the collision or events before, during or after the collision. The individuals include: passengers in the other involved vehicles, pedestrians, residents, construction workers, and employees from businesses located at the scene. Finally, be sure to obtain the investigating officer’s name and badge number.