Vehicle Collision

When you are involved in a vehicle accident the following are the most important steps that you need to take:

• Stop the vehicle immediately.
• Turn on the vehicle's emergency flashers.
• If safe to do so, pull the vehicle out of traffic, and/or move passengers away from traffic.
• Check for injuries.
• Tend to any injured using first aid and/or CPR.
• Do not move anyone who has been injured unless they are in danger (e.g., if the vehicle is on fire).
• Call 911. If you are on the Wheaton College main campus, you may also call Public Safety at 630-752-5911.
• Report the accident to the Transportation Coordinator, and follow their instructions.
• Follow the additional instructions inside this document, and gather the information required to complete this form.

When talking with others at the scene of the accident.

1). Do not argue.

2). Do not make any statements or answer questions about the accident, except for giving truthful answers to the local authorities.

3). Do not plead guilty or admit fault, even if you believe that the accident may have been your fault.

4). Do not sign anything, except when the local authorities require your signature on a document, and do so only after reading carefully and attempting to contact the Transportation Coordinator for advice and assistance.

Additional Instructions:

• If renting a vehicle from a rental company, call the rental company to report the accident.
• Gather information needed to complete all sections of the College's Vehicle Collision Reporting Form. This includes obtaining the name and insurance information of the other driver.
• Take photos of all sides of every vehicle involved in the accident (including license plates), even if there appears to be no damage.
• Photograph any property that was damaged.
• Ask the responding law enforcement officer for his or her name, and obtain a written police report. Do not leave the scene of the accident until law enforcement tells you that it is okay to do so.
• As soon as possible, deliver to the Transportation Coordinator the completed Vehicle Collision Reporting Form, the police report, and any photos or other documentation that are applicable to the accident.