1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries. Even if you think you are “fine”, it is a good idea to either let the ambulance transport you to the hospital or to immediately (after all the steps are finished) go see your physician. Accidents cause your body to be flooded with adrenaline, which can mask pain, yet once the adrenaline wears off, you may realize you were injured and you are not fine. Call 9-1-1, if anyone is injured.

2. Control the Scene. Before taking time to exchange information, get to a safe place. If there are no injuries and the vehicle is drivable, safely move to the right or left of the emergency lane. Some state laws require drivable vehicles to be removed from the roadway to avoid traffic congestion. Turn on your hazard lights and set out warning flares or reflective triangles. Do not leave the scene of the crash, but find a safe place to remain until emergency services arrive.

3. Notify the Police and Submit a Report. The law requires you to notify the police. No matter what either party says, call the police and file a report. If the police do not come to the scene to open an investigation, you can file a report by visiting a local police department or automobile insurance agency in the days after a crash. Having a report on file may help later if a liability claim is filed.

4. Document the Scene and Exchange Information. It is important to exchange and gather information with all parties involved in the crash, including witnesses. Having this on file will help complete any future paperwork or address potential problems. AAA suggests that you document:

– Names
– Addresses/email address
– Vehicle Information including makes, models and years for all cars involved
– Vehicle identification/license plate numbers
– Driver’s license numbers
– Insurance carriers and policy numbers
– Take photos of the location, people involved and damaged vehicles

5. Notify Your Insurance Carrier. Your insurance carrier will need to be notified following a crash to start the proper claim filing. Many insurance companies have staff available 24/7 and can assist immediately. Having proof of insurance in your vehicle is required by law and makes filing a claim easier if not at home.

6. Get Your Vehicle Towed to the nearest AAA-Approved Repair Facility of your choice. You have the right to get your vehicle repaired at a body shop of your own choosing. In addition to facilities suggested by your insurance company, consider a quality AAA Approved Auto Body shop which can be found by visiting www.AAA.com/Repair.

1. Slow down and leave ample stopping distance between your car and the car in front of yours. Your vehicle can hydroplane at as low speeds as 35 mph. All it takes is enough water to make your tire lose contact with the road.

2. Make sure to check your windshield wipers. If they are falling apart or leaving streaks, it’s time to replace them. If you can’t see clearly while driving, this will create a dangerous driving condition for both you and whoever is in your vehicle’s path.

3. Avoid using cruise control in wet or slippery driving conditions. When driving in wet-weather conditions, it is important to concentrate fully on every aspect of driving. Avoiding cruise control will allow the driver more options to choose from when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation, thus maximizing your safety.

4. Responding to a Skid. Even careful drivers can experience skids. If a driver feels their car begin to skid, it’s important to not panic and follow these basic steps:

Continue to look and steer in the direction in which the driver wants the car to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control. If you feel the car begin to skid, continue to look and steer in the direction you want the car to go. Don’t panic, and avoid slamming on the brakes to maintain control.