What steps should be taken after minor car crash?

Edie Schmierbach, The Free Press, Mankato, Minn.
·1 min read

Jul. 23—Question: If involved in a minor auto accident with another driver, what steps should be taken at the scene by both parties?

Answer: Crashes happen every day in Minnesota. Crashes are one of the State Patrol's primary duties. It's important to know what to do immediately after a crash happens.

The first and most important thing to do after you've been involved in a crash is to get to a safe place. Worry less about "preserving the scene" for law enforcement and more about protecting yourself and your car from further damage — especially if you're on a highway or interstate.

This could mean driving, if possible, to the nearest off-ramp or underpass. If your car isn't drivable, stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt on, but move to the passenger's side so there is more room between you and traffic.

As soon as you are safe, call 911. When law enforcement arrives, you should exchange information with the other driver and take pictures of the damage and crash scene, but only when it is safe to do so.

Here's what you will need to know about the other driver:

—Name

—Address

—Phone number

—License plate number

—Driver's license number

—Insurance company name

—Insurance policy number.

Any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, 2900 48th St., NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848; or send an email to: Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.