Providing Personal Information after an Accident
Knowing what to do if you’re in a minor auto accident can help greatly reduce your stress levels when you’re in the moment. When you’re involved in an auto accident you need to give out certain information along with collect information from the other party involved. You’ll need this information for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), your car insurance provider, and for your own personal records.
I was asked recently what information a person is required to give out if they are in an accident. I have compiled a list in case you’re not sure what you need to give out and collect.
Drivers License
Exchange driver’s license information with all drivers involved. It can be as simple as snapping a picture of each one. Or, if you prefer, write down the following:
- Full name on license
- Date of birth
- Drivers License Number
- Address listed on the license
- Which state the license is issued by and check to make sure it is valid by verifying the expiration date.
Vehicle Registration
The next bit of information you need to swap is vehicle registration. This is very important especially if an involved party is not the registered owner of a vehicle that was in an accident. Again, taking a quality photograph of the registration is your best option. In case you’re not able to, the information you’ll want to write down is:
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Registered owner’s name
- Registered owner’s address
- License plate number of the vehicle
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle Insurance
The last thing you will need to exchange is auto insurance information or proof of financial responsibility. If one of the parties involved do not have liability coverage it is important to know as soon as possible. If you’re not able to take a photo of the insurance card, you will need to write down the following information:
- Name of insurance provider
- Agent’s name
- Policy number
- Policy dates
- Name of insured person
- Type of vehicle listed on the card
Accidents and Personal Information
If you’re involved in an auto accident and a driver is refusing to give out their information, which they are legally obligated to provide, do not delay in calling 911 and reporting the accident to the proper authorities. Some injuries or damages to your vehicle may not be apparent at first. If you both exchange information all involved parties will be able to make contact later.
Woodland Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Woodland Auto Accident Attorney. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an auto accident, please give me a call as soon as possible at (530) 392-9400 or toll free at (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice.
I’ve been assisting Northern California residents with their wrongful death and personal injury claims for over 33 years.
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