Driving in Georgia isn’t always pleasant. High-traffic areas can be busy and chaotic, especially if aggressive or negligent drivers are sharing the road. No matter how safe you drive, your life can change in an instant if a nearby motorist is distracted.
If another vehicle collides with yours, the next moments could be some of the most stressful experiences in your life. It’s understandable that you’d feel shaken. However, it is important to know how to react. By planning ahead, you will know what to do immediately following an accident.
Knowing what not to do is also important
Rescue workers, police and witnesses often appear on site shortly after an accident occurs. You may wind up speaking to one or more of these people; in fact, before they arrive, the other driver involved might approach you. If that happens, you’ll want to remember the following information that includes things you should never say or do in such circumstances:
- Never give permission for the other driver or someone who claims to have been a witness to the crash to photograph your driver’s license. This is a trick identity thieves often use to gather information and commit crimes.
- Do not tell anyone except a police officer or rescue worker your name.
- Do not share your driver’s license number with anyone other than a law enforcement officer.
- Never share your street or mailing address with another driver at the scene of a collision.
It is unfortunate that there are people out there who would take advantage of a car accident situation to try to steal your identity, but the fact is, it happens. This is why you must always make sure the person requesting personal information from you after a car accident is someone who has a right to do so.
Who should you talk to?
You, of course, must answer any and all questions police officers ask when they arrive at an accident scene that you either witnessed or were involved in. If you suffer injury, rescue workers and medical professionals will also be seeking personal information from you at some point.
Beyond that, you may want to call your family members, an employer or a legal advocate to inform them of your situation as well.
