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Crash and learn
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August 8, 2000: 11:07 a.m. ET
Do the right thing after a wreck and put the brakes on potential trouble
By Staff Writer Rob Lenihan
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - It wasn't your fault. You're an excellent driver. The other guy's a jerk. But somehow you still got into a traffic accident.
So now what?
There are about 6 million auto accidents every year, and experts say knowing what to do immediately afterward may help reduce some of the worry accidents invariably cause.
Keep off the road, get help for the injured and exchange information with the other driver — these are some of the basic steps drivers must keep in mind.
Stephanie Faul, communications director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, said you have to protect yourself at a crash site.
"Even if it's a fender bender, get out of the way of traffic," she said. "People seem to think insurance companies need to you to stay in the road after a crash and you don't. It's quite dangerous."
Faul also warned drivers to watch for scam artists who will slam on their brakes, cause you to run into them, and then claim they suffered a whiplash injury. Get witnesses if you can.
At the scene
The Insurance Information Institute has put together a list of tips for motorists on what to do at the scene of a crash. They include:
· Stop your car and get help for the injured. Have someone contact the police and tell them how many people have been injured and the types of injuries. 
· Give whatever help you can to the injured people, but avoid moving anyone so you don't aggravate the injury. Usually the most you can do is cover the injured person with a blanket and keep him or her comfortable.
· Give the police whatever information they need and ask the investigating officer where you can get a copy of the police report.
· Try to protect the accident scene. Set up flares, get the car off the road and call a tow truck, but remember your insurance company will want to have an adjuster inspect it and appraise the damage before you have repairs done.
· Make notes. Keep a pad and pencil in your glove compartment and write down the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident. Also get the license number, make, and model of each car involved in the accident. Get names and addresses of as many witnesses as possible, along with the names and badge numbers of police officers and other emergency personnel. If you hit an unattended vehicle or object, try to find the owner. If you can't, leave a note with your name, address and phone number.
Filing your claim
The III has tips on what to do when filing your claim. Some things you should keep in mind are:
· Phone your insurance or local company representative. Do this as soon as possible even if you're far from home and someone else caused the accident.
· Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents you need to support your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report. Give the information your insurer needs.
· Keep a record of your expenses. The costs you incur as a result of an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy. This could include medical and hospital expenses, lost wages and at least part of your costs if you have to hire a temporary housekeeper.
· Keep copies of your paperwork and store it all in your own files. You may need it later. 
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