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What to Do After an Auto Accident

California Casualty Management Company

Auto accidents happen, and when they do they can be costly, in terms of damage to property, lives and livelihoods. According to the National Safety Council, the total cost of unintentional injuries caused by auto accidents topped $478 million. Figure in lost quality of life and the numbers rise to more than $1 billion.

While those numbers may suggest that accidents are a frequent occurrence, the opposite is true.  In fact, many people just don't know what to do when they're in an accident.

If you are involved in an auto accident, you should make sure you exchange key pieces of information with all involved parties. Take down the name, address, driver's license number and insurance information of the driver of the other car. Stay at the scene until police have come and taken statements. Make sure the police officer records your version of what happened, and make a note of the officer's name.  And contact your auto insurance company as promptly as possible.

Air Bag Safety Tips

Air bags -- when used with lap and shoulder safety belts -- have saved many lives and prevented many injuries. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there have been more than 800,000 air bag deployments since they were installed in cars, which saved more than 1,500 lives. In one recent year it is estimated by the NHTSA that as many as 600 lives were saved by deploying air bags.

A study of injuries has shown that many were due to a driver sitting too close to the air bag module, or to passengers riding unbuckled or incorrectly secured.

Here are some air bag safety tips:

• Air bags and children do not mix. The safest place for children up to age 12 to sit is in the rear seat.  Air bags could seriously injure or even kill children who are riding in the front seat.

• Never place an infant in a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger's seat.

• Short stature adults are also at risk if they position their seat too close to the air bag. There are some models of cars that have pedal adjusters to keep drivers from sitting too close to the air bag module.

• Give yourself at least 10 inches between your chest and the air bag.

• Make sure the steering wheel (and its air bag) is positioned toward your chest, and not your face.

Are you paying too much for your auto insurance?  NEA Members Auto and Home Insurance Program* offers:

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• Discounts for family members who are good students or mature drivers.
• Theft of personal property from your vehicle covered up to $250 - includig school supplies.

See how much you can save: instant free auto insurance rate quote.

* not yet available in all states