Nila Priyambodo
Managing Editor

More than 3.2 million car accidents were reported to police in 2004 in the United States. Yet many of the people who are involved in the car accidents do not know what to do after the accident occurs.

The La Verne Police Department suggests these important tips for what a person should do in the aftermath of a car collision:

•Never drive away from the scene of the accident. Even if it is a minor accident, call the police and wait for them to file a report. If they do not file a report, file an accident report at a police station or at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

•Use flares or hazard lights to warn other motorists of the accident.

•Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number, vehicle identification number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle.

•Also write down the description of the other car, including make, model, color and year.

•Get the names and numbers to as many witnesses as possible at the scene of the accident just in case there is a dispute with the other driver as to what happened.

•Keep an emergency kit in the car with items such as paper and pen to take notes of the accident, a disposable camera to take pictures of the accident scene and a card with medical allergies or conditions that would be important for paramedics.

•Report the accident to the insurance company.

•Report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles if the damage to either of the cars is more than $500 or if anyone was injured or killed in the accident.

“No matter what happens, always call the police,” La Verne Police Department Lieutenant Jim Strona said. “It’ll make things so much easier.”

Nila Priyambodo can be reached at npriyambodo@ ulv.edu.