COLLISION & SAFETY
Helpful information and tips to keep you safe on the road and prepared in the event of an accident.
What To Do After A Collision
01
Check for injuries
If anyone is injured, provide assistance if it is safe to do so and call 911 immediately.
02
Move to a Safe Location
If there are no injuries and your vehicle is drivable, move it out of the flow of traffic before waiting for law enforcement.
03
Exchange Information
Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license details, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
04
Call the Police When Necessary
If the other driver appears intoxicated, is uninsured, attempts to leave the scene, or significant damage or injuries are involved, contact the police immediately.
05
Take Photos
Capture clear photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and the accident scene. These images may help during the insurance claim process.
06
Collect Witness Information
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements may help if the accident is disputed.
Take Photos
07
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their claim instructions.
08
Arrange Vehicle Towing
If your vehicle cannot be driven, contact a towing service or have it transported to Helfman Collision Center.
Note
If a law enforcement officer is not investigating the crash you must file a crash report within 10 days if there are any injuries, you suspect property damage exceeds $1,000 or you suspect the other driver to be intoxicated, unlicensed, has no insurance or attempts to flee the scene.
Roadside Safety Tools (Source:Edmunds)
Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy. Drivers can keep this free fill-in-the-blanks accident information form in their glove compartment. The DocuDent™ Auto Accident Kit ($19.95), supported by AAA and insurance companies, offers a comprehensive kit that includes a flashlight, reusable camera and accident documentation instructions. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.
Insurance Coverage (Source: TXDOT,Edmunds)
Texas law requires drivers to have basic liability coverage. If you don’t have auto insurance, you can be fined up to $350 (or more if you’ve been ticketed before for no insurance). Be ready to show your insurance card if an officer asks you for it, and inform your insurance company of a collision right away.
The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don’t wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn’t automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics.
Driving Safely(Contributing Source: TXDOT)
Drive to Conditions. This means adjusting the operation of your vehicle to account for rain, snow, ice, construction, etc.
Pass carefully when allowed.
Move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, police or TxDot vehicles at work.
Stop completely at red lights and stop signs.
Do not use cell phones when driving.
Do not tailgate large trucks. Their bumpers do not line up with most vehicles bumpers causing the crash force to be distributed to other areas of the vehicle. Stay out of their blind spots and “no-zone” areas as well.
Look twice for motorcycles and give them a full lane when passing.
Be aware of pedestrians and do not stop on a marked crosswalk.
Stop for school buses when signaling a stop.
Fasten Seat Belts.
Make sure children are properly restrained with safety seats, boosters or standard vehicle seating which is appropriate to their age and size.
Texting While Driving
Distracted driving, which includes distraction, driver inattention or cell‐phone use, is becoming increasingly common and dangerous, causing traffic crashes and fatalities. In 2012, there were 90,378 traffic crashes in Texas that involved distracted driving. These crashes resulted in 18,468 serious injuries and 453 deaths. In fact, nearly one in four crashes in Texas involves driver distraction.
Phone Applications
Many insurance companies now offer phone applications which can aid drivers in submitting claims as well as providing a record of coverage. Many drivers find these applications helpful. Check with your insurance provider for availability.
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