If a Crash Occurs

If there has been an injury, call emergency services for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all matters have been taken care of. Move the vehicle only if its position puts you in danger, or you are instructed to move it by a police officer.

Give only the necessary information to police and other parties involved in the crash.

For emergency towing see Roadside Assistance Program .

Gather the following information:

  • Driver name, address, and telephone number.
  • Driver license number.
  • Owner name, address, and telephone number.
  • Vehicle license plate number.
  • Vehicle make, model, and model year.
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  • Insurance company and policy number.
  • General description of the damage to the other vehicle.

Choose a reputable repair facility that uses quality replacement parts. See “Collision Parts” earlier in this section.

If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? .

    See also:

    Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
    Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits . Make sure not to go ...

    What to Add
    When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing i ...

    Pulling a Trailer
    Here are some important points: • There are many laws, including speed limit restrictions that apply to trailering. Check for legal requirements. • Do not tow a trailer at all during the ...