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:

    Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
    This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the indicator on the gauge moves towards the shaded area on the thermostat, it means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has ...

    Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
    Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt? A: You could be— whether you are wearing a safety belt or not. Your chance of being conscious during and after a cra ...

    Speedometer
    The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). ...