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 Service (U.S. and Canada) or Roadside Service (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:

    Defensive Driving
    Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts. - Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicycl ...

    Engine Oil Life System
    The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it is time to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system ...

    If the Vehicle Is Stuck
    Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See “Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out” later in this section. If the vehicle has a traction system ...