Surf.Atlantic.Net!

BAM! The crunch of metal ripped through the air, and my body bounced back and forth like a yo-yo. It took me a moment to realize what had happened as I sat in my mangled car, unsure of what to do. I'd never been in an accident before and had no idea how to handle the situation.

I was only 17 — I barely had my license. I didn't know anything about insurance or gathering witness statements. Luckily, good old Mom was there to help me through it. But if you find yourself in a similar situation, without your mom there to hold your hand, you may want to keep a copy of these tips in your glove box.

• Stop in the name of the law.
Even though your first impulse may be to put the pedal to the metal and get out of there, you are required by law to pull over at the scene of an accident, no matter how minor the damage may be.

• Doctor, doctor. You should keep a first aid kit handy in case of an accident. If anyone's injured, apply basic first aid, but don't move the victim unless they are in imminent danger. If you experience any aches or pains, see a doctor immediately. Remember, when the adrenaline is pumping, you might not realize you're injured, so go to the doctor and have yourself checked out.

• Calling all cars. Phone the police and file an accident report. This can help you later on when your insurance companies are battling it out.

• Just the facts.
Take careful notes and gather information at the scene. Get names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the people involved in the accident and any eyewitnesses.

It's important to document the time, location, date, weather and road conditions, directions and speeds at which you and the other drivers were traveling, license plate numbers, and a brief description of how the accident occurred.

It's also a good idea to keep a cheap, disposable camera in your car so you can document the scene at the time of the accident.

• What's your policy? The insurance process will be easier if you know the details of your coverage. For instance, don't wait until after the accident to find out if you're covered for towing costs or a rental car. For as little as two extra dollars a month, many policies will provide you with a rental car during your car's repair period. Look into your policy and get the specifics.

Written by Jordan Meffert

Questions or comments about this story?
E-mail Us!