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 (U.S.

and Canada) or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico).

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:

    Ignition Positions
    Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different positions. A (LOCK): This position locks the ignition and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remo ...

    Loss of Control
    Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems—brakes, steering, and acceleration—do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the ...

    Braking
    See Brake System Warning Light. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average reacti ...