North Dakota Drivers: Stay Cool in a Crash

Writing this brings back some strong memories—possibly even a few nightmares. I’ve been in two car accidents since I started driving, and in both cases, my brain completely froze. It’s hard to think clearly in the moment, but knowing what to do after a crash can make all the difference.

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Clear Roads, Real Risks: What to Do If You’re in a Summer Car Crash

Summer is here across the Peace Garden State, and while the roads are mostly clear of snow and ice, accidents can still happen. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or something more serious, here are the steps you should follow if you’re ever involved in a car crash:

• Stay Calm & Check for Injuries
  First things first—take a deep breath. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, move out of traffic and get to a secure location.
• Call Law Enforcement
  If anyone is hurt, there's been a fatality, or the damage is $4,000 or more (which can add up fast), call the police. Even if you're unsure, it's always a good idea to involve law enforcement. An officer can help sort things out and create an official report.
• Snap Some Pics
  Document the scene. Take photos of the damage, the position of vehicles, the road conditions, any skid marks, and the surrounding area. These images can help with insurance claims later.
• Exchange Information
  Trade names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance policy details, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s).
• Cooperate With Officers
  Answer questions honestly and stick to the facts. The police report is an important tool for insurance companies to determine what happened.
• Notify Your Insurance
  Let your insurance provider know about the crash as soon as you can. Quick reporting speeds up the claims process and helps protect your rights.

You may never feel fully prepared for a crash, but remembering these steps can help you take control in a chaotic moment—and avoid some of the headaches I went through.