Vancouver, British Columbia – The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has released a list of the “top five” things that drivers should do following an auto crash.
On a typical day in B.C., 200 people are injured in 750 motor vehicle collisions, an average of one crash every two minutes. Earlier this year, ICBC and its Autoplan brokers launched a claims card, titled At the scene of a crash, to help customers remember all the vital information needed to make a claim.
1. Stop at the scene. If it’s safe to do so and you are not injured, pull over to the side of the road so you don’t block traffic, and can safely exchange information with other parties. If you can’t get to a safe area, stay in your vehicle until assistance arrives.
2. Call 911. Your personal safety and well-being are most important, and if you or others are seriously injured, call 911 for help.
3. Summarize the scenario. ICBC’s new claim cards remind you of important information you’ll need to record at the scene, such as date, time and location of the crash, the contact information of others involved, the vehicle information, and insurance policy information, as well as a sketch of the crash scenario, including directions of travel and any signs. The cards are available at any Autoplan broker or ICBC Claim Centre, or download one from ICBC Claims Card.
4. Gather additional information. Make sure you can get contact information for any witnesses. If you have a cell phone camera or other camera, take photos of the crash scene, and damage done to vehicles or property.
5. Call Dial-A-Claim. ICBC’s centre is open 24/7 to provide hassle-free claims service. In the Lower Mainland call 604-520-8222; elsewhere in B.C. or outside, call 1-800-910-4222. Try to report the crash as soon as you can.
